ICAR-ATARI Zone VI Workshop Boosts Coconut Productivity in Northeast India

ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, achieved a significant milestone with substantial funding to implement Coconut Development Board Schemes in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

The Launching-cum-Action Plan Workshop on Programs of CDB, organized by ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, focused on initiatives like Regional Coconut Nursery, Demonstration Plots, Organic Manure Unit, and Area Expansion Program to boost coconut productivity in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, emphasized the critical need to enhance coconut productivity in the northeast region, where the average yield per tree is only 40 nuts/year, significantly lower than the national average of 80. Dr. Govindasamy highlighted the significance of area expansion for yield enhancement.

Dr. Rajat Kumar Pal, Director of Coconut Development Board, elaborated on various schemes under the board's jurisdiction, with presentations from CDB representatives. The workshop, jointly organized by ICAR-ATARI, Guwahati, and ICAR-KVKs, aimed to maximize coconut yield, expand cultivation geographically, and promote value-added production and handicrafts.

The event saw active participation from ICAR representatives and Heads from 23 KVKs, all dedicated to enhancing coconut productivity in the region.