The Zonal Agriculture Office of Car Nicobar marked World Coconut Day with a vibrant celebration at the Multipurpose Farm in Perka village, drawing enthusiastic participation from local farmers, tribal leaders, and government officials. The event was held under the theme “Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action,” emphasizing the cultural, nutritional, and economic importance of coconut cultivation in the Nicobar Islands.
Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, Shri Satnam Singh, IAS, inaugurated the programme as chief guest. In his address, he commended the tribal communities for their longstanding relationship with coconut farming and highlighted its role in supporting livelihoods, health, and religious practices. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques and make use of government schemes to enhance productivity.
The event was also attended by Ms. Tripti Kalhans, IAS (P), and Shri John Chrysostem, Second Headman of Perka village, who served as guest of honour. Subject matter specialists from CIARI-KVK and officials from the Agriculture Department conducted technical sessions on best practices in coconut cultivation, post-harvest processing, and value addition.
Shri C. Vinod Kumar, Assistant Director (Soil), welcomed the gathering and emphasized the significance of coconut in the daily lives of Nicobari communities. He urged farmers to explore innovative uses of coconut and engage with support services available through the department.
To foster community engagement, the programme featured a series of competitions including coconut recipe displays, handicraft exhibitions, and coconut de-husking contests for both male and female farmers. These activities showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of local producers and artisans.
An interactive session between farmers and officials from various line departments provided a platform for dialogue on challenges and opportunities in coconut farming. A total of 30 farmers from different villages participated in the event, which concluded with the distribution of prizes to competition winners.
The celebration reaffirmed the central role of coconut as a “Kalpa Vriksha” or tree of life, and highlighted the island’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, tribal empowerment, and community resilience.
