The Zonal Agriculture Team of Car Nicobar marked World Coconut Day 2025 with a spirited celebration at the Multipurpose Farm in Perka village, bringing together farmers, officials, and community leaders under the theme “Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action.” The event highlighted the cultural, economic, and nutritional significance of coconut cultivation in the Nicobar Islands, with a special focus on innovation, value addition, and tribal livelihoods.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri Satnam Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, who served as the chief guest. In his address, he congratulated the coastal and tribal communities of Nicobar for their deep-rooted connection to coconut farming, emphasizing its religious, health, and economic benefits. Shri John Chrysostem, Second Headman of Perka Village, was the guest of honour, and Ms. Tripti Kalhans, IAS (P), also graced the occasion.
Subject matter specialists from CIARI-KVK and officials from the Agriculture Department conducted sessions on modern cultivation techniques, post-harvest technologies, and strategies for value addition. Shri C. Vinod Kumar, Assistant Director (Soil), welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of coconut in the daily lives of the tribal population. He encouraged participants to take advantage of government schemes aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in coconut farming.
To foster community engagement, a series of competitions were organized, including coconut recipe displays, handmade coconut-based handicrafts, 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, opportunities, and support mechanisms available to coconut growers. A total of 30 farmers from different villages participated in the event, which concluded with the distribution of prizes to competition winners.
The celebration at Car Nicobar reflected the island’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment, reinforcing coconut’s role as a “Kalpa Vriksha”—a tree of life—central to the region’s identity and resilience.
