A one-day national workshop on “Issues and Challenges of Food Safety Standards in the Coconut Value Chain” was organised at the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Regional Station, Kayamkulam, on 11 March 2026 under the ICAR-NASF project on Global Value Chain Analysis of Plantation Crops of India with Special Emphasis on Food Safety Standards.

The workshop brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, exporters, and industry representatives to discuss the importance of food safety standards and quality compliance in enhancing the global competitiveness of coconut and coconut-based products. Participants included representatives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Coconut Development Board, Export Inspection Agency, CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, and industry representatives such as Marico Ltd. and KLF Nirmal Pvt. Ltd., along with scientists and researchers of ICAR-CPCRI.

Discussions highlighted the need for compliance with international food safety regulations, improved testing and certification infrastructure, adoption of GAP, GMP, and HACCP-based systems, and stronger traceability mechanisms across the coconut value chain. Key issues such as product adulteration, contamination risks, high certification costs, and supply chain challenges were also discussed. During the technical deliberations, constraints faced by stakeholders in complying with international food safety standards, limited awareness of evolving international standards, challenges faced by small-scale producers and processors in meeting compliance requirements, and gaps in quality infrastructure, including the need for improved testing and certification facilities were highlighted.

The workshop was presided over by K. B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI). Dr. Sanu Jacob, Director, NFL-FSSAI was the Chief Guest. The programme was coordinated by Dr. S. Jayasekhar, Pr. Scientist and PI of NASF project and Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR–CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam. Discussions were moderated by Dr. C. Thamban, Sr. Fellow, MSSRF and Dr. Murali Gopal, Head, PB & PHT, ICAR- CPCRI. The workshop concluded with recommendations to strengthen quality infrastructure, harmonise standards with international norms, and enhance stakeholder awareness to support India’s coconut export sector. After the workshop, a press meet was conducted at the media house Kayamkulam, and the outcome of the workshop was conveyed to the media.