6th – 11th January 2025, Sargachi
A transformative step in strengthening agricultural practices was highlighted today with the conclusion of a 6-day residential course on ‘Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT)’ at the Dhanyaganga Krishi Vigyan Kendra (RMKVERI), Sargachi, Murshidabad, under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata. This collaborative endeavor by the ICAR-KVK and Coconut Development Board, State Centre, Kolkata, aims to empower farmers with essential technical expertise in coconut cultivation.
Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, emphasized that coconut stands as a quintessential crop to champion the principles of a circular economy in agriculture with its multifaceted utility offering not just fruits but also husks, shells, leaves, and even by-products—it exemplifies sustainability. He accentuated that every part of the coconut tree finds purpose, fostering zero-waste practices and contributing to economic, environmental, and social resilience. Dr Dey highlighted that by integrating such versatile crops into farming systems, we can create models of agriculture that are not only productive but also regenerative, ensuring harmony between nature and the economy.
Dr Amiya Debnath, Deputy Director (Dev.), Coconut Development Board, State Centre, Kolkata, highlighted that the Coconut Development Board, a statutory body established by the Government of India, serves as a cornerstone for the integrated growth of coconut cultivation and focuses on enhancing productivity and promoting product diversification. He stated that the Board strives to unlock the full potential of this versatile crop, weaving it into the fabric of sustainable agricultural development.
Coconut climbing machines were distributed to all the participants during the programme.
Dr Chanda Saha Paria, SMS Horticulture, coordinated the programme.
A total of 20 participants attended the programme.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
Read more: https://www.icar.org.in/residential-course-friends-coconut-trees-concludes
