The ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, celebrated World Environment Day jointly with the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department on June 5, 2025. The theme of the day was ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’. A tree plantation drive organized within the institute campus involving dignitaries, staff members, and farmers, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

District Panchayat President, Smt. Baby, was the chief guest. In her inaugural speech, she appreciated CPCRI’s research contributions and its benefits reaching Krishi Bhavans and local farming communities, thereby helping to enhance agricultural output.

The programme was chaired by Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, who highlighted that the institute has been recognized as a "Green Campus" by Haritha Mission, Government of Kerala. He emphasized the institute's ongoing initiatives in environmental conservation and sustainable practices. He stated that plastic, once a miracle material has become a big menace due to its durability. He felt that awareness is needed to dispose off agricultural plastics without polluting the environment. In his address, the Director further emphasized the core objective of the programme — to boost productivity and sustainability in agriculture. He underscored the institute's role in supporting eco-friendly agricultural advancements and building resilience in the farming community.

The guest of honourof the event, Dr. Arun M. Isloor, Professor, HAG, NITK, Surathkal delivered a keynote address on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” He elaborated on the harmful effects of microplastics polluting clean drinking water all over the world. These infiltrate into food materials. These cause hormonal imbalance and metabolic disruptions. He stressed the importance of adopting the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — as key strategies with cloth bags, metal straws, avoiding packed food, etc. to combat plastic pollution. Further, he advocated to refuse acceptance of plastics.

Other distinguished speakers included Shri P. Biju, Deputy Conservator of Forest, and Shri Anandan, Project Director of ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), Kasaragod district. The speakers echoed the importance of transitioning towards a plastic-free India and called for collective action against plastic pollution.

As part of the celebration, several tree saplings were planted by staff members who are set to retire in next one year, including Mr. V.K Gopalakrishnan, Mr P m Thomas, Mr. S. Manohara, Mr. Krishnakumar, Mr. Ram Avtar Parashar, Mr. K. Bhavani Shankar, Mr. S. Dineshan. The symbolic gesture emphasized their lasting legacy in nurturing a greener campus.

A special moment during the event was the felicitation of the institute’s sanitary workers. They were honored by the dignitaries with certificates of appreciation, recognizing their vital contribution to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene on the campus.

The event aimed to raise awareness and promote action for the protection and preservation of the environment. All scientists and staff of the institute actively participated in the programme, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The programme started with a welcome speech from Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Head, Division of Social Sciences and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Manojkumar T.S., Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kasaragod (KVK).