The ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR–CPCRI), Kasaragod, celebrated its 110^th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026, with Prof. Siddu P. Algur, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kerala, inaugurating the event. Prof. Siddu P. Algur emphasized the challenges faced by the plantation sector, including climate risks, price volatility, and labour shortages. He underscored the importance of research, technology integration, collaboration among scientists, and the use of data analytics, predictive modelling, and precision farming delivered via mobile technology to support future agriculture.

The Foundation Day was glorified with the 26^th Plantation Crops Symposium (PLACROSYM XXVI), held from 5 to 7 January 2026 at ICAR–CPCRI. The symposium, themed “Future Proofing Plantation Sector for Wellbeing and Welfare,” converged over 200 delegates, including scientists, academicians, policymakers, industry experts, and progressive farmers.

Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director of CPCRI, while delivering introductory remarks and presidential address outlined the symposium’s focus on pressing issues such as climate change adaptation, resource efficiency, pest and disease management, value addition, mechanization, carbon sequestration, and strategies to enhance farmers’ income. He also highlighted key institute achievements, including the licensing of improved coconut varieties to private nurseries, the development of the low-arecoline arecanut variety Shatamangala, and the establishment of polyclonal cocoa orchards across South India.

Guest of Honour Dr. P. Rethinam, President of SOPOPROD, stressed the importance of selecting crops suited to local climatic conditions and lauded the institute’s dedicated efforts. Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR, Puttur, Dr. K. Suresh, Director, ICAR-IIOPR Pedavegi, Dr. KUK Nampoothiri, Former Director, ICAR-CPCRI, Dr. Debabrata Roy, Director, RRII, Kottayam, Dr. Senthilkumar, Director, CCRI, Dr. Victor J. Ilango, Director, UPASI, Valparai, and Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Director, ICRI (Spices Board), Mylapdumpara are the prominent guests of the event.

Dr. K.U.K. Nampoothiri delivered a lecture titled “Hunger Elimination” in memory of Dr. K.V. Ahamed Bavappa, explaining key indices such as GPI, MPI, and DHI.

The programme was graced by eminent directors and experts from leading plantation research institutes, reaffirming the sector’s collective commitment to sustainable growth and farmer welfare.

The event featured the launch of new coconut-based products such as Kalpa Kulfi, Kalpa Wafer Cone, Kalpa Velvet (dark chocolate), and Kalpa Qbitz (nata de coco), along with YGP coconut products including Sappy drink and Sappy healthy sugar. Releases included the PLACROSYM souvenir, an e-book of abstracts, a technical bulletin from the Regional Station, Kayamkulam, and the launch of the KVK Kasaragod YouTube channel.

During the inaugural programme, MoUs were exchanged with two entrepreneurs, Sri Binoy PC, Chully Firm (Kalpa Suvarna coconut variety), and Mrs. Renuka, M/s Bliss Farm Flav (VCO & coconut delicacy).

Outstanding contributors were recognized with awards: Dr. P. Anithakumari and her team received the Best Scientific Team award for impactful farmer participatory technology transfer; Dr. B.J. Nirmal Kumar and Sri Mohammed Haneefa were honored as the best technical and administrative staff members, respectively. Excellence awards for flash talk presentations of International Conference of ICC and CPCRI went to Dr. Daliyamol and Dr. Hima John, scientists. In the same event, winners of the photo competition included Shri K. Shyamaprasad and Dr. K. Nihad. Mr. S. Sreekumar was awarded a farmer’s variety certificate for the PPVFRA-registered coconut variety —Edava Long Fiber Coconut. Progressive farmers were also felicitated for their valuable contributions.

The event featured scientific presentations, and recognition ceremonies, with active participation of about 400 attendees from scientists, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, retired staff, and PLACROSYM delegates.

The programme began with a welcome by Dr. Ravi Bhat, Principal Scientist and General Convener and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Head, Social Science, marking a successful celebration of ICAR-CPCRI’s legacy and its vision for the future of plantation agriculture.