CPCRI developing germplasms of coconut having unique characteristics, says Director

CPCRI developing germplasms of coconut w/ unique characteristics. Developing dwarf variety for tapping neera, SOP for pest control & micro nutrients. Carbon credit trading in US & EU, when implemented in India, coconut plantations will be in demand. FPC released 4 new products & opened 11th branch.

Director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, K.B. Hebbar said here on Thursday, November 16, that the institute is developing germplasms of coconut having unique characteristics.

Speaking at a function organised by the South Canara Coconut Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd. (FPC), Puttur to open its regional office in Mangaluru, Mr. Hebbar said that among the germplasms being developed includes coconut having soft kernel.

The water of some coconut varieties has a special kind of aroma. While some are known for their flavour. The institute, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is developing their germplasms to promote their cultivation. The germplasms will be developed over the next five years.

Mr. Hebbar said that the CPCRI will also develop a dwarf variety suitable for tapping ‘neera’ (a sweet sap extracted from coconut palm). It has already produced sugar and jaggery from neera.

The Director said that the institute is also developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for coconut pest control and application of micro nutrients to coconut palms.

Asking arecanut and coconut growers not to lose hope, the Director said that a day will come when the growers can participate in the carbon credit trading and receive income.

The carbon credit trading is already in vogue in the United States and European Union but is yet to be implemented in India. When the carbon credit scheme is a reality in India, the arecanut and coconut plantations will be in demand.