On June 5, 2026, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, commemorated World Environment Day with the theme ‘Inspired by Nature—For Climate —For Our Future’. The institute organized a tree plantation drive within the campus, actively involving staff members in fostering a greener and healthier environment.

The formal function of the celebration was presided over by Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, who delivered an insightful address emphasizing the critical impact of climate change on plantation crops. Dr. Hebbar highlighted the challenges posed by an increasing population and stressed the importance of maintaining soil health to ensure productive and sustainable agriculture. Each one is responsible for climate change. Climate action with active steps along with environmental protection movement by everyone will be beneficial. He also pointed out the indirect effects of climate change on crop productivity through increase in pest and disease stresses.

The chief guests of the programme were Mr Kumar Sathyanarayana and Mr Melvin Arun, CEOs of Sakrt, Envirly Innovations, Mangaluru. In his talk, Kumar Sathya Narayana highlighted the environmental hazards of plastic use and promoted eco-friendly, compostable products as alternatives to single-use plastics. He also addressed the commercial challenges of this transition and called for collective responsibility and innovation to overcome them. Compostable products by Envirly were demonstrated by their team on the occasion.

In recognition of the institute’s commitment to sustainability, seven CPCRI staff- Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, Dr. K.B. Hebbar, Dr. Ravi Bhat, Mrs. K. Narayani, Mrs. Rupa Manikantan, Mr Ajith Kumar and Mrs. Chitralekha who are retiring in different periods before May 2027 were honoured with tree planting. Six workers who were involved in cleaning were felicitated for their dedicated efforts in making the campus plastic-free, clean, and beautiful.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Head of the Division of Social Sciences, setting a positive tone for the day’s activities. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. K. Ponnusamy, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants and reiterated the institute’s commitment to environmental conservation.