The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) has been implementing various projects for the development of coconut cultivation and the dissemination of knowledge, in collaboration with the Coconut Development Board, researchers, Departments of Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare from various states, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Farmer Producer Companies, and farmers. A comprehensive meeting of stakeholders was organized on October 14 at the CPCRI Regional Station in Kayamkulam with the objectives of analyzing the progress of these projects, identifying shortcomings, and expanding diverse development programs based on innovative technologies. Presided over by CPCRI Director Dr. K.B. Hebbar, the meeting was inaugurated by Smt. Deepa D. Nair, Chief Executive Officer of the Coconut Development Board. Smt. Deepa D. Nair remarked that producing disease-resistant and high-quality coconut seedlings through tissue culture is the need of the hour.

Dr. Reji Jacob Thomas, Head of the CPCRI Regional Station, Kayamkulam, and Smt. Sindhu K., Principal Agricultural Officer, Alappuzha District, also participated. Sunitha S. and Girija C. (Project Directors of ATMA, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta), Anu Annie Mathews (Assistant Professor, Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station), Dr. P. Muralidharan (Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Alappuzha), and Dr. Induja S. (Scientist, CPCRI) were among those who spoke at the event.

Dr. A. Joseph Rajkumar and Dr. A. Abdul Haris led a discussion on innovative technologies in coconut cultivation and interacted with the farmers. More than a hundred farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and representatives of Farmer Producer Companies from various regions participated in the meeting,The foundation stone-laying ceremony for a newly sanctioned tissue culture lab under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme was also organized in conjunction with the event.