On September 2, ICAR-CPCRI hosted a grand celebration of World Coconut Day, graced by P. Prasad, Minister for Agriculture, Kerala. The event highlighted the critical role of the coconut, the “tree of life,” in building a sustainable, circular economy.

Minister Prasad emphasized the need for coconut-centered farming, circular agriculture, and coconut-based secondary industries to address climate change and boost entrepreneurial growth. He also pointed out the superior qualities of coconut milk compared to other plant-based alternatives and called for innovative solutions to combat pests like the rhinoceros beetle.

Dr. S.K. Singh, DDG (Hort Sci) ICAR, highlighted the immense potential of the coconut sector, with over 200 products providing employment year-round. He stressed India’s leadership in the global coconut market and the need to innovate to stay ahead.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Director of HuT Labs and faculty at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam. Dr. Megalingam passionately spoke about replacing age-old farming techniques with AI-driven innovations to revolutionize the coconut industry. He stressed that embracing AI and automation is critical for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sector, making it more resilient to future challenges.

Several new technologies and coconut varieties were unveiled, including Kalpa Suvarna, Kalpa Vajra, and Kalpa Nakshatra, as well as innovative products like “Kalpa Bliz – Flavored Coconut Mylk” and aerated coconut water “Zila.” Successful farmers and entrepreneurs were also honored for their contributions.
Dr. Megalingam’s vision for integrating AI into farming represents a bold step forward for the future of coconut farming, opening doors to smarter, more efficient agricultural practices.
Sri Sakthiprasad KM, Senior Research Associate, also accompanied Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam at the event, representing HuT Labs.