CPCRI making efforts to achieve Aatmanirbhar Krishi vision, says Director

The Kasaragod-based Central Plantation Crops Analysis Institute (CPCRI) has initiated numerous programmes to realize the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Krishi’, according to Anita Karun, Director (Acting) of CPCRI.

Inaugurating a virtual training programme on ‘Enterprise diversification in coconut sector’ for stakeholders from Karnataka, she said that the institute has declared outreach programmes to provide systems for begin-ups in the coconut sector.

Natural and organic recycling, farming

Natural and organic recycling and natural farming are the vital factors of ‘Aatmanirbhar Krishi’, she said, including the institute has been working in these regions also.

Vermi-composting of coconut leaves, urea-totally free compost from coir pit, and composting of tender coconut husk are some of the factors in natural recycling. CPCRI is the frontrunner in establishing natural farming practices, primarily for the handle of coconut pests and disorders, she said.

The institute is also rising the planting materials production at the institute as effectively as via farmers’ teams.

Processing protocols

CPCRI has turn out to be productive in establishing processing protocols for virgin coconut oil, coconut chips, palm sugar product from coconut water, ‘kalpa rasa’ (an unfermented energy drink from coconut inflorescence), and so on., she said.

The institute has licenced systems for planting materials production, bio-fertilisers and bio-handle brokers. Around 250 business people have signed MoUs with CPCRI for the engineering know-how so far, she said.

Hybrid coconut

Stating that CPCRI is the very first institute to acquire coconut hybrid in the world, Karun said the institute has produced 21 superior-yielding versions until now. This contains six hybrid versions that are able of giving two-a few times far more produce than the community versions.

The institute is progressing steadily in the location of coconut tissue culture. It has already transferred its arecanut tissue culture protocol to a Tamil Nadu-based personal organization, she included.