Enhancing Coconut Farming: The Launch of ‘Hello Naariyal’ by Coconut Development Board

Introduction:

• The Coconut Development Board (CDB), a statutory body established by the Government of India in 1981, has recently introduced the ‘Hello Naariyal’ Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT) call centre initiative. This innovative facility aims to assist farmers engaged in coconut harvesting and plant management operations across traditional coconut-growing states in India.

About the Coconut Development Board:

• The Coconut Development Board, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Its primary focus lies in promoting the integrated development of coconut production and utilization within the country.

Objectives:

• Foster measures for the development of the coconut industry.
• Offer technical guidance to individuals involved in coconut cultivation and its associated industries.
• Extend financial support for expanding coconut cultivation.
• Encourage the adoption of modern technologies for coconut processing and product diversification.
• Advocate for incentive pricing and better marketing strategies for coconut products.
• Regulate imports and exports while setting industry standards and specifications.

Hello Naariyal Initiative:

• The ‘Hello Naariyal’ call centre, situated at the Board’s headquarters in Kochi, Kerala, is designed to aid coconut growers. Its services are set to benefit not only farmers in Kerala but also those in the traditional coconut-growing states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka through respective unit offices of the Board.

Scope of Services:

• Availability at block and gram panchayat levels in districts.
• Assistance in various coconut cultivation activities:
• Coconut tree climbing.
• Plant protection.
• Seed nut procurement.
• Nursery management.
• The ‘Hello Naariyal’ initiative stands poised to provide vital support and guidance to coconut farmers, streamlining essential activities related to coconut cultivation and nurturing across different regions.

Conclusion:

• The launch of ‘Hello Naariyal’ by the Coconut Development Board represents a significant step towards bolstering the coconut farming community. With its comprehensive services and outreach, this initiative is geared towards enhancing productivity and management practices, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for coconut growers in India.