Awareness Seminar Highlights Cocoa Cultivation Opportunities

Quick Summary:

• The ICAR-Central plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Regional station, Kayamkulam, will host a seminar-cum-awareness campaign on September 23 at Lions Club Hall, Manimala, in Kottayam.
• The event’s goal is to strengthen farmer participation in cocoa cultivation, encourage sustainable farming practices, and expand the shareholder base of Brown Gold Cocoa Producer Company Limited (BGCPCL).
• Nagesh Kumar Anumala, Chief General Manager of NABARD’s Kerala Regional Office, will inaugurate the event.
• A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between BGCPCL and Kaliyar estate of Harrisons Malayalam Limited to implement cocoa cultivation on a 100-acre estate in Konni.
• Technical sessions include an address by A. Joseph Rajkumar from ICAR-CPCRI on “Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Cocoa.”
• leadership training for BGCPCL’s board of Governors will be conducted by Ajesh P. Joseph from marian College.
• Around 100 progressive cocoa farmers associated with BGCPCL are expected to attend.
• Contact details for further information: Lalichan (9961623538) or K.J. Varghese (9447184735).

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The seminar spearheaded by CPCRI demonstrates a robust effort to integrate scientific research with grassroots-level agricultural progress among cocoa farmers in Kerala. By focusing on improving sustainability and expanding farmer participation through entities like BGCPCL-with support from institutions such as NABARD-there is potential for meaningful economic growth in India’s niche cash crop sector. The MoU between BGCPCL and Harrisons Malayalam points toward fostering collaboration between stakeholders for large-scale agricultural innovation.

Additionally, the combination of technical training on pest management alongside leadership development reflects an integrated approach aimed not just at improving productivity but also strengthening governance structures within farming cooperatives like BGCPCL. While it remains crucial that these initiatives translate into tangible benefits at the farm level over time, this event signals positive intent toward advancing sustainable agribusiness models suited to both local and national contexts.

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