As part of mentoring and facilitating Brown Gold Cocoa Producers Company Ltd., (BGCPCL), ICAR-CPCRI conducted a Seminar-cum-Awareness campaign on “Building Healthy Cocoa Plantations and Farmer Collectives” on 23^rd September 2025 at Lions Club Hall, Manimala near Kottayam, Kerala

The programme began with an interaction meeting between representatives of NABARD, ICAR-CPCRI and BGCPCL. Later, Dr Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam welcomed the gathering and highlighted that cocoa crop has a growth potential of 7-8% and is declared as a Vikasit Bharat crop of the nation. In his inaugural address, Shri Nagesh Kumar Anumala, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Kerala Regional Office indicated BGCPCL as one of the high-rated FPOs that has a visionary outlook focussing on a single crop with a specific business niche. He further complimented the efforts of the chairman and the members of the Director Board for accomplishing this unique feat. Shri. Reji Verghese, DDM, NABARD, Kottayam presided over the function and appreciated the coordinated efforts of BGCPCL working in tandem with ICAR-CPCRI fostering innovative ideas in their business plan. Shri S. Rajesh Kumar, Manager Director, SFAC, Thiruvananthapuram complimented the business acumen of the company and emphasized on the funding options available through SFAC.

Sri K. J. Varghese, Chairman, BGCPCL, highlighted the progress achieved in the membership drive and the encouraging budgetary turnover of the company. On the occasion, he was felicitated jointly by NABARD and ICAR-CPCRI for being conferred with the National Best Cocoa Farmer Award by the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development (DCCD), Government of India, in recognition of his visionary cocoa ventures at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between BGCPCL and M/s Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. for the harvesting and sale of cocoa pods, as well as for expanding the area under cocoa cultivation in Kaliyar Estate, Thodupuzha. Shri V. J. George Kulangara, Chairman, National Federation of Farmer Producer Organisations and Shri. Sunny Sacharia, Past District Governor, Lions Club offered felicitations. Mr. Tom George, Executive Director, BGCPCL proposed the vote of thanks

Dr A. Joseph Rajlumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI led the technical session and presented on the pests and disease of cocoa and their management strategies. Shri Ajesh P. Joseph, HoD, School of Social Works, Marian College, Kuttikkanam gave a lucid talk on the duties and responsibilities of Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and producer farmer members for the smooth functioning of the company. Regular conduct of Annual General Body meeting, vibrant business plan, identifying flagship product /services for commercial niche, stellar branding and budgetary outlay and turnover are the indicators for success and transparency of the company, he added. More than 100 cocoa farmers attended the seminar and were technologically empowered. Dr. K.M. Anes, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI was the convenor for the seminar-cum-awareness programme.