The symposium on “Sustainability and Research Potential in Coconut Farming and Coconut Products” was held at Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, and was organized by the Amrita Coconut Research and Development (ACORD) Center.

The symposium began with a welcome address and ACORD research and development center presentation by the Director of the ACORD center, Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam. Dr. Rajesh provided an overview of the center’s research and development activities, which focus on technological innovations such as Robotics, AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Drones, and more in the realm of coconut farming. He also discussed the center’s research on tree growth in diverse climatic conditions, micronutrients, soil quality, extensive database collection and statistical analysis, empowering farmers, developing novel products, market analysis, and demand forecasting.

The symposium’s chief guest, Dr. K.B. Hebbar, Director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Hebbar shared his expertise on coconut farming and sustainability, highlighting the importance of research and development in this field. He emphasized the need for sustainable farming practices and the role of technology in improving coconut farming yields. Dr. Hebbar’s keynote address set the tone for the symposium and provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the coconut farming industry.

The symposium featured speakers from the industry who shared their expertise on various topics related to coconut farming and sustainability. Dr. Shanmugasundaram, Director of CCRI, gave an expert talk on “R&D in Coir & Coir Products,” while Shri Jubail, Farm Manager at Anakkayam Research Station, spoke on “Nutrient management in coconut.” Dr. P. Indira Devi, Director (Agri. Expert) at Kerala State Farmer`s Welfare Board, discussed “Research and policy supports for coconut development sector in Kerala.” Shri Aravind, Lead at Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation, talked about “Industry alliance for sustainable coconut farming,” and Dr. Raji P, Assistant Professor at ASSD, Amritapuri campus, AVVP, discussed “Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Sustainable Farming Practices.”

The symposium also included felicitations by Br. Vishwanathamrita Chaitanya, Head of CIR, Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Dr. Jyothi SN, Associate Dean at Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and Br. Chidanandamrita Chaitanya, Chairperson of the ECE department, Amritapuri campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Naveen Prasad, Sr. Lead Engineer at HuT Labs.

The symposium on “Sustainability and Research Potential in Coconut Farming and Coconut Products” was a great success, providing a platform for experts to share their knowledge and insights on coconut farming and sustainability. The signing of the MoU between ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute and ACORD Center at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham was a significant step towards promoting research and development in this field.