9 September 2026, Kolkata
In a significant step towards strengthening scientific coconut cultivation, technology dissemination and livelihood enhancement among coconut growers, the Coconut Development Board (CDB), State Centre, Kolkata, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, jointly organised a Technical Enrichment Programme for Agriculture and Horticulture Officers at ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata today.
The programme brought together more than 50 officers and technical personnel from the Departments of Agriculture, Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and ICAR institutes, particularly representing the major coconut-growing districts of southern West Bengal. The initiative provided an important platform for strengthening technical capacities, sharing location-specific technologies and promoting convergence among research institutions, development agencies and field-level extension machinery.
In his inaugural address, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, highlighted that coconut in West Bengal is far more than a crop it is a vital link weaving together agriculture, culture, traditions and rural livelihoods, from its sacred role in Pran Pratistha at the beginning of Durga Puja to its cherished presence in festive delicacies like naru during Vijaya Dasami, while underscoring its vast potential for strengthening rural livelihoods. He advocated cluster-based, integrated and multi-tier coconut farming with compatible intercrops, livestock and fisheries, supported by post-harvest management, processing, value addition and farmer-led enterprises to enhance income and employment. Dr Dey also emphasised stronger research–extension–farmer linkages and capacity building of field functionaries for effective technology dissemination, including productivity enhancement, pest and disease management, value addition, carbon sequestration and emerging carbon markets, thereby creating an additional income stream for farmers.
The valedictory programme was graced by Shri Supriya Das, WBCS (Exe.), OSD & EO, Director, Horticulture (Administration), as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, Shri Das lauded the collaborative initiative of CDB and ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata and emphasized that sustained capacity building, knowledge sharing, and institutional convergence are pivotal to unlocking the full potential of the coconut sector in West Bengal. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to strengthen technology adoption, enhance productivity, promote value addition, and improve the livelihoods of coconut growers, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the State’s coconut economy.
Ms. Mridula K., Deputy Director, Coconut Development Board, State Centre, Kolkata, highlighted the role of the Coconut Development Board in supporting coconut growers through technology promotion, capacity building, institutional convergence and various developmental schemes.
The technical sessions covered critical aspects of scientific coconut production and were delivered by experts from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and the Coconut Development Board. The session on “Scientific Coconut Cultivation and Value Addition” focused on improved production practices and opportunities for enhancing farmers’ returns through value addition.
The participants were also sensitized to “Integrated Disease Management in Coconut” and “Integrated Pest Management in Coconut,” with emphasis on practical approaches for managing major production constraints and promoting sustainable coconut cultivation. Another session covered the schemes, initiatives and operational guidelines of the Coconut Development Board, enabling the participating officers to better understand the available institutional support and facilitate its effective outreach to farmers.
The programme also provided an interactive platform for technical discussions, experience sharing and identification of field-level challenges, thereby strengthening coordination among the State Departments, KVKs, ICAR institutions, BCKV and the Coconut Development Board.
The joint initiative marks an important step towards “Reaching the Unreached and Serving the Unserved” by strengthening the capacity of frontline extension personnel and creating a more effective technology-delivery mechanism for coconut-growing farmers of West Bengal. It is expected to contribute towards enhanced productivity, reduced crop losses, greater value addition and improved livelihood opportunities across the coconut value chain.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
फेसबुक पर लाइक करें
यूट्यूब पर सदस्यता लें
X पर फॉलो करना X
इंस्टाग्राम पर लाइक करें