The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Minister's pep talk to coconut farmers

FARMERS in Kerala must look at adopting a more professional approach to the cultivation of coconuts, said the State Electricity Minister, Mr Kadavoor Sivadasan.

He made this observation while inaugurating a two-day seminar on `Coconut and Coconut Products in Health and Disease' organised by the Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala.

Instead of looking at coconut cultivation in a very casual manner, farmers should recognise the economic potential of coconuts and adopt more scientific cultivation practices, the Minister said. At the same time, there is a need for more research and development in this area, he pointed out. Similarly, the people of the State must make a determined effort to promote coconut-based products, especially tender coconut water, which is more nutritious and refreshing than many soft drinks, he declared.

The seminar, supported by the Coconut Development Board, will look at a range of issues related to coconuts. While the papers to be presented on the first day of the conference will examine themes such as coconut processing, value addition to coconut products and the diseases that affect the coconut, the second day's deliberations will focus on the health related aspects of the coconut.

On display at the venue of the conference are a number of products made from the coconut. Besides packaged tender coconut water, coconut chips, coconut milk powder and vinegar made from coconut milk, the exhibition also showcases items of daily use made from different parts of the coconut. Also on display are a range of books and pamphlets on issues related to the coconut.

Dr S. Kevin, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Kerala, Mr M. Vijaykumar, former Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and Mr R.K. Singh, Chief Coconut Development Officer, Coconut Development Board were among those present at the inaugural session.

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