Coimbatore, India: Launched in 2017, on World Coconut Day, Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation (PKF), the flagship CSR program of Marico Limited partnered with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), one of India’s leading agricultural universities and the Coconut Development Board (CDB), to host ‘Coconut Festival 2024’ in Coimbatore 27th and 28th August for over 1,000 coconut farmers across Tamil Nadu. The Coconut Festival aimed at introducing farmers to technology, advancement in agriculture practices, platforms to reach in case of experiencing challenges.
In line with Marico’s vision of sustainable agriculture and livelihood improvement, Coconut Festival was designed to equip farmers with modern farming practices including a series of informative sessions focused on solving key challenges faced by farmers, such as nutrient management, pest and disease control, and water management.
Acting as a one-stop platform, this celebration-cum-educational event, facilitated a discussion on circular economy and sustainable agriculture, bringing together all relevant stakeholders under one roof, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers, academicians, scientists, policymakers, and industry experts.
By hosting farmer recognition awards, exhibitions, demonstrations, and training sessions, through Coconut Festival, Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation created an inclusive environment where stakeholders can exchange ideas and best practices. Key topics such as nutrient management, pest and disease control, water management, and organic farming were addressed, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to enhance yield and income.
During the event, Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation organised training sessions for the farmer on techniques including pest, disease, and nutrient management, climate-resilient practices on irrigation and organic farming, and field cultivation practices.
Demonstrations featured new-age technologies such as drone spraying, machinery for borewell recharge, integrated farming systems, and precision farming. The new-age machinery showcased at the event included drones for monitoring tree health, pest and disease management, climbing machines for coconut trees, mulchers for farm waste management, power tillers for ring-making, and shredders. These innovations help streamline farm operations, making agriculture more efficient and sustainable. Advanced farming techniques were also highlighted at the festival including scientific farming, integrated farming, and precision farming to optimize resource usage and improve crop yields.
The event brought togetherover 1000 farmers, along with a distinguished lineup of guests such as Padmashree Smt. Kamachi Chellammal also known as Nariyal Amma, an inspirational personality in the coconut farming sector, theCoimbatore District Collector,International Coconut Community (Jakarta, Indonesia) Executive Director, Tamil Nadu Agricultural UniversityVice Chancellor,Coconut Development Board (CDB) Chief Coconut Development Officer,along with representatives from Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI),Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR), Amrita University, NABARD. This convergence of expertise, experience, and enthusiasm made the Coconut Festival 2024 a landmark event in the coconut farming calendar.
Speaking about the landmark event, Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer & Group General Counsel and Secretary of the CSR Committee, Marico Limited said “With Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation, we strive to empower our farmers with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable agriculture practices, thus enhancing their productivity and income levels.
The Coconut Festival 2024 in Coimbatore reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the coconut farming community by introducing modern practices and innovative solutions. We are honoured to partner with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Coconut Development Board to celebrate World Coconut Day and drive meaningful change for farmers. The impressive turnout at this event is a testament to the shared dedication of all stakeholders, and we believe that the adoption of a collective charter will be crucial in driving substantial change in the supply chain system and create last mile impact for the Agri-community.”
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