Shri P. Karunakaran, Member of Parliament,

Shri N.A. Nellikunnu, MLA,

Shri Raju Narayana Swamy IAS, Chairman, CDB, Kochi,

Dr. P. Chowdappa, Director, ICAR-CPCRI,

Shri K. Muralidharan, Head, Social Science,

Dear farmer-innovators,

Agribusiness entrepreneurs,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare .

Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.

I am very happy to inaugurate the Innovators’ Meet at Indian Council for Agricultural Research - Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod.

Though I had visited Kasaragod last year, this is my first visit to this Institute. Having seen the work and ambience here, I feel that I should have visited this Institute long ago. But, better late than never. 

Let me begin by complimenting the prestigious ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, which has been leading the Coconut research activities in South India, for organizing this Innovators’ Meet, being held at a time when we have completed 101 years of coconut research in India. Today's programme assumes great significance since it instils enormous confidence in the farmer-entrepreneurs at a time when Kerala has just recovered from a major natural calamity.

It is a matter of pride that this Institute, which was originally started as a Coconut Research Station in 1916 is now the premier institution in the National Agricultural Research Systems of India. Since then, it has been serving the cause of science and society by thinking beyond the conventional periphery and providing the most appropriate platform for the innovators, researchers and other stakeholders to meet and plan the future actions to safeguard the agrarian sector of the State in general, and plantation crops sector in particular.

As all of us are aware, the contribution of Agriculture towards India’s Gross Domestic Product [GDP] has seen a steady decline from nearly 50% at the time of Independence to hardly 17% now.  However, farming continues to provide employment to the 54% of our population.

Besides, plantation crops like Coconut, areca-nut and cocoa support the livelihood of 25 million people in the country.  Annually, they contribute around Rs 14,200 to the GDP, fetch foreign exchange earnings of about Rs.2440 crores and support subsidiary industrial development.

Coming to Kerala, which is known as the land of coconut trees, we see a picture of decline both in terms of area of cultivation and production of coconut.  Kerala, which accounted for for 57% area and 47% production of coconut in the country in 1990, now has only 36% area and 33% production.  Though the Plantation crops like coconut, areca, rubber coffee, cashew, tea and cocoa occupy 80% of the net cultivated area, they  are facing a crisis due to fall in productivity, low mechanization,   scarcity of skilled labour and lack of  value addition.  Hence, redemption of the traditional coconut farming and reorientation towards profitable ventures is becoming a necessity.

The signing of the World Trade Agreement (WTA) and ASEAN Treaty have resulted in fierce competition among countries producing such crops. If we are to face such competition, we have to enhance farm level income through competitive and sustainable production techniques, product diversification, and demand creation. It is here that the services of institutions like ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute gain great relevance.  I am happy to note that this institute strives for generation and dissemination of technology to convert the adversities into opportunities, in a concerted and synergistic way. This Innovator Interface is one such laudable effort.

If coconut farming has to be profitable, our farmers need to go for a systematic farming strategy that uses coconut based mixed farming system with coconut, pepper, banana, cross-bred cows, poultry birds, goat, and fish-culture which can generate 300% higher net income than that of coconut alone. We can also think of areca based cropping models in the state which would include livestock, components of fisheries and staple food.

I am happy to learn that, foreseeing the importance of high value coconut sector, ICAR-CPCRI has developed complete package of practices for the production of virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Chips, Neera, Coconut Honey, Jaggery and Palm Sugar. I understand that coconut palm sugar could be a breakthrough product due to its low glycemic index and high dietary fibre. However, these package of practices have to reach ordinary farmers in such a way that they develop an interest in value addition.

We certainly need to strengthen the Government interventions to improve the income of farmers. For instance, we could consider establishing 'Coconut Parks' for organized processing for value addition.  We could also consider stronger trade policy measures to ensure quality of the imported Arecanut and to put barriers to guard the remunerative price in the domestic sector. We also need to encourage organic cultivation of cocoa and try for organic certification for the benefit of our farmers.

Kerala has been improving the ease of doing business by providing an ecosystem suitable for new business ventures and investments. We also have one of the best Start-up ecosystems in the country.  I have heard that our Agri-business ecosystem is also very encouraging and has over 1000 start ups.  But, we are yet to see a steady flow of
agri-preneurs coming up with new ideas or the existing ones making great impact. We need to impart business as well as marketing skills to people who volunteer to become agri-entrepreneurs.

As a research organization which has evolved many agricultural technologies and commercialized over 30 technologies, this Institute must continue to encourage grassroots innovations by facilitating the conversion of ideas into tangible products. We must also build an ecosystem for converting innovations into enterprises through pragmatic linkages, and by providing financial, mentoring and policy support. I hope today's innovator meet would discuss these issues.

I once again greet all the farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are attending this programme. I would request them to work as this Institution’s link to the farmer community.

I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind.