Coconut Hybridization Training Programme Inaugurated

KIDU (KARNATAKA):
Dr. Vikramadithya Pandey, Former ADG (Hort. Science) ICAR, New Delhi, inaugurated the Coconut Development Board sponsored seven day national level training programme on “Coconut hybridization techniques in Coconut” at ICAR-CPCRI, Research Centre, Kidu, Karnataka on 2 nd June, 2023.

Dr. V. Pandey in his inaugural address highlighted the potential of this programme in meeting the huge requirement for hybrid coconut planting materials to address challenges faced by coconut farmers in terms of low yields, vulnerability to pests and diseases and climate change.
Dr. K.B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod delivered the presidential address and called upon the trainees to make best use of this training and ensure the production of quality hybrid planting material.

Dr. Niral, V , Head, Crop improvement, ICAR CPCRI, Kasaragod also being the programme director briefly introduced the scope and contents of the training programme. Mini Mathew, Assistant Director (Publicity and Public Relation), CDB, Kochi was guest of honour on this occasion and
elucidated the efforts being taken by Coconut development board to address the constraints faced by coconut farmers especially skilled manpower for coconut harvesting, planting material production and plant protection.

This is the first time that, a national level training programme is being conducted on this important topic “Hybridization techniques in Coconut” and it includes 25 trainees representing states of Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It also includes staff working in different DSP farms of Coconut Development Board.

Diwakar, Y., Scientist In-charge, ICAR-CPCRI, Research Centre, Kidu welcomed the gathering and highlighted the research accomplishments of the Regional Centre. The inaugural programme was concluded through formal vote of thanks by Dr. Ranjini, Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI Kasaragod.