Integrated Coconut Farming Training

On 19 January 2024, “Integrated coconut farming training” organized by the Department of Botany in association with Isha outreach program. During the event, several experts from the Coconut Research Centre and other organizations shared their knowledge on various topics related to coconut cultivation and management. The Programme was started at 9.00 am. Swami Rabya, Isha outreach delivered the welcome address. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. P. Irene Vethamoni, Dean, Horticultural College & Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore. Then the felicitation address was delivered by Mr. K. Sanmugasundaram, Member of Parliament, Pollachi, Coimbatore. The first session was taken over by Dr. J. Suresh, Professor & Head, Coconut Research Centre, Aliyar Nagar. He discussed different varieties of coconuts and their significance. In the next session, Dr. N. Thava Prakash, Professor, Coconut Research Centre, Aliyar Nagar elaborately explained about intercropping and cultivation techniques in coconut farming. The third session was handled by Dr. P. Latha, Associate Professor (Crop Pathology), Coconut Research Centre, Aliyar Nagar. She explained about controlling coconut diseases and management techniques. Dr. R. Arul Prakash, Associate Professor at the Coconut Research Centre, continued the fourth session and shared his knowledge on coconut pests and management techniques. Dr. C. Sudhalakshmi, Associate Professor, Coconut Research Centre specializing in soil science and Agro chemistry, started the fifth session. The sixth session was led by Dr. M.R. Manikandan, a Principal Scientist at ICAR in Kasaragod, Kerala. Mr. S.K Gowthaman, President, National Coir Federation, Ex. Coir Consultant, United Nations Development Programme take over the seventh session and discussed value addition for coir fibers. Finally, Mr. K. Rakothuman, Manager at the Coconut Development Board, chaired the last session and explained the available schemes on the board and their role.