The ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) celebrated World Coconut Day 2025 on September 2, 2025, in collaboration with the International Coconut Community, Jakarta, Indonesia. The programme was presided over by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, DDG (Hort. Sci.), ICAR, New Delhi. Shri Rajmohan Unnithan, Hon’ble MP, Kasaragod, inaugurated the celebration.

Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the CPCRI's efforts to obtain sustainable yield and productivity to balance production and consumption. A sudden spike in price due to a production shortage is resulting in adulteration. Adoption of scientific technologies improves 15% yield in coconut.

Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Director General, ICC, Jakarta, delivered the keynote address. She mentioned the importance of coconut genetic resources. She highlighted the significance of celebrating World Coconut Day. She mentioned that instead of creating pressure, collaboration would help to tackle global challenges.

Hon’ble MP, Shri Rajmohan Unnithan, Kasaragod in his address, pointed out the challenges faced by the coconut communities and the health benefits of coconut. In India, the price hike may be advantageous for growers, but at the same time, the price-conscious consumers may lead to alternate uses, which is not of interest for the coconut farmers. He also pointed out problems due to pests. He urged the gathering that Coconut Day should concentrate on strengthening research to tackle the problems faced by the farmers. He remembered the past with low prices, challenging coconut farming. Out of the 4 states, Kerala farmers usually suffer the most due to the type of landholdings.

In his presidential address, Dr. S.K. Singh emphasised the institute’s vision for strengthening the coconut sector. The participation of members from 14 countries underscores the importance of the event. This Coconut Day should inspire the development of new varieties and products of coconut and make it available in international markets.

Coconut is grown in more than 90 countries. So, the International Coconut Community can consider extending it to more countries. He urged the participants to have common goals for all coconut researchers for the crop. He urged to have palm parks like the food parks. Instead of unnecessary fertilizer use, microbial enrichment and advancements have to be taken into consideration.

Earlier on the day, Dr. S.K. Singh inaugurated the sales counter and exhibition stalls.

H.E. Ambassador Diar Nurbiantoro, Director of NAM CSSTC, Jakarta, was the Guest of Honour. He called attention of the participants for sustainability and prosperity, with the collaboration of ICC member countries playing a major role.

Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR, Puttur, explained the significance of coconut in Indian tradition. He felt that price hike may result in a disadvantageous situation in the market due to competition from other oils.

Dr. Augustine Jerard, Project Coordinator (Palms), felicitated, highlighting the significance of the workshop for climate resilience coconut breeding.

The programme witnessed active participation of special invitees, scientists from CPCRI, and representatives from over 14 foreign countries, including Indonesia, Côte d'Ivoire, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, Jamaica, Australia, Italy, Germany, France, Samoa, and Thailand. Different stakeholders representing NABARD, state extension officers, entrepreneurs, scientists, farmers, FPO, and NGOs participated.

During the programme, a total of three publications were released. These include:

1. Coconut Palm Sap – A Natural Beverage and Source of Value-Added Products Edited by: K.B. Hebbar (Director, CPCRI), V. Krishnakumar, and Ramesh S.V. Published by: Nova Science Publishers., 2. Handbook for Participants – International Workshop on Strengthening Coconut Gene banks for a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Future Compiled by: CPCRI and ICC, and 3. Improved Varieties of Coconut Released from ICAR-CPCRI. The book in Hindi, authored by Niral V., et al.

A product by ICAR-CPCRI, Arecanut leaf sheath powder ‘Tricho-Block’, was released.

In recognition of excellence, four awards were presented to the farmers who excelled in coconut farming:

● Sri. B. Natesan producing hybrid coconuts from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, ● Sri. Omkar Murthy with a high income through following GAP from Hassan, Karnataka,● Sri. K.P. Cheriyan Kureekottil, managing a high-income cropping system in root (wilt) affected area of Kottayam, Kerala, and  ● Sri. Joseph Edutthu, Kolichal, Kasaragod as a plantation based eco-tourism venture in Kasaragod, Kerala

Three awards were conferred for the Entrepreneurs who excelled in coconut-based business enterprises:

● Smt. Gomati, Gagani Foods, Erode, Tamil Nadu, ● Sri. Sathyanarayana Udupa, Kalarasa and All Spices exporter from Udupi, Karnataka, and ● Sri. Abbas Ali, Malappuram, Kerala

The following entrepreneurs exchanged MoU for technology transfer:

● Dr. Sunanda and Dr, Laxmi, Dept. of Agri & Hort Andamans for MoA on bioagents for organic farming/, ● Sri Hitesh Kumar Hanabhai More received Kalpa Shatabdi and Kalparaksha coconut varieties license., ● Smt. T.M. Annamma, to run CPCRI Sales Counter on ICAR products, ● Smt. Kavita G., coconut carbonated water, ● Mohammed Razique K.A. on food product technology, and ● Rajendrakumar Hirematt, YGP FPC, on Coconut Frozen Delicacy

Results of ICC competitions in connection with ICC World Coconut Day under the theme “Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action” are uploaded on their website.

There was a ‘Stakeholders Meeting’ after the inaugural session in which about 80 farmers, 20 entrepreneurs and 20 officials in which various issues concerning variety selection, fertigation cropping systems, pest and diseases, soil fertility, price rise and marketing were discussed and farmers participants were guided accordingly.

An International Workshop on ‘Strengthening Coconut Genebanks for a Climate Resilient and Sustainable Future’ was also organized in conjunction with World Coconut Day at ICAR-CPCRI, during 2–5 September, 2025, with the theme “Strengthening global collaboration for sustainable coconut genetic conservation and utilization”. This will be having various technical sessions attended by ICC delegates.