About Coconut development board
Coconut Development Board (CDB) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India for the integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry in the country with focus on productivity increase and product diversification. The board was established in 1981 with its headquarters located in Kochi, Kerala. CDB is responsible for promoting coconut cultivation and processing across India by providing technical assistance, financial support, and marketing services to farmers.
The primary objective of CDB is to increase productivity and quality of coconuts through research and development activities. The board has set up research stations across different regions in India to study various aspects related to coconut cultivation such as soil fertility management, pest control measures, irrigation techniques, etc. These research stations also conduct training programs for farmers on modern farming practices that can help them improve their yield.
CDB also provides financial assistance to farmers through various schemes such as Integrated Development of Coconut Cultivation (IDCC), Technology Mission on Coconut (TMOC), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), etc. These schemes provide subsidies for inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation equipment, etc., which can help farmers reduce their production costs.
In addition to promoting coconut cultivation among farmers, CDB also focuses on product diversification by encouraging entrepreneurs to set up small-scale industries based on coconut products. The board provides technical assistance and marketing support for these industries through its network of regional offices located across different states in India.
One major initiative taken by CDB towards product diversification is the establishment of Coconut Development Park (CDP) at Vazhakulam near Aluva in Kerala. This park serves as a hub for processing various value-added products from coconuts such as virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut powder, tender coconut water concentrate etc., which are marketed under the brand name "Coconut Plus". This initiative has helped create employment opportunities for local people while also promoting entrepreneurship in the region.
CDB has also taken several steps towards promoting organic farming practices among coconut farmers. The board has set up a certification program for organic coconut cultivation, which provides farmers with an additional source of income through premium prices for their produce. CDB also conducts training programs on organic farming practices and provides technical assistance to farmers who wish to switch to organic farming.
In conclusion, Coconut Development Board (CDB) plays a crucial role in promoting coconut cultivation and processing across India. The board's focus on research and development activities, financial assistance schemes, product diversification initiatives, and promotion of organic farming practices have helped improve the livelihoods of thousands of coconut farmers across the country. With its continued efforts towards sustainable development of the coconut industry in India, CDB is poised to play an even more significant role in the years to come.