A Training-cum-Awareness Programme on “Mother Palm Selection, Hybridization Techniques and Quality Planting Material Production in Coconut” was conducted at ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam on 7 October 2026. A total of 17 participants, comprising officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of Kerala and ward members of Oachira Grama Panchayat participated in the training programme.

The programme was formally inaugurated by Mr. N. Krishnakumar, Hon’ble President, Oachira Grama Panchayat. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the importance of producing and distributing quality coconut planting material to farmers and appreciated the technical support extended by ICAR-CPCRI for strengthening coconut production in the Panchayat.

Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam, explained the proposed KERAGRAMAM Scheme on ‘Quality Planting Material Production in Coconut’ to be implemented in Oachira Grama Panchayat and elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of the Panchayat, Department of Agriculture and ICAR-CPCRI in its implementation. The proposed programme aims to produce approximately 3,000-3,500 quality ‘Kalpa Vajra’ coconut seedlings annually through the adoption of the modified ground pollination technique developed by ICAR-CPCRI. The scheme is proposed to be implemented through Oachira Krishi Bhavan, with technical guidance from ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam. The initiative is intended to facilitate the production of genetically superior and quality planting material for distribution to farmers in the Panchayat and thereby contribute to the enhancement of coconut productivity. He expressed the expectation that the successful implementation of the programme in Oachira Grama Panchayat would serve as a demonstration model for replication in other Panchayats, thereby contributing to the large-scale rejuvenation of coconut cultivation.

As part of the technical component of the programme, sessions were conducted on Mother palm selection, Symptoms & diagnosis of root (wilt) disease, ELISA-based testing for identification of disease-free mother palms, Hybridization techniques in coconut, with special emphasis on the modified ground pollination technique developed by ICAR-CPCRI, and Nursery management for quality coconut seedling production. Practical sessions and demonstrations were also arranged to provide the participants with hands-on exposure to the important procedures involved in mother palm selection, disease diagnosis, hybridization and nursery management. Dr. M. Shareefa, Principal Scientist & Dr. Mayalekhsmi, Technical Officer coordinated the training programme.