CDB Launches ‘Hello Naariyal’ Call Centre

To bolster coconut farmers and improve coconut cultivation practices, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) has introduced the “Hello Naariyal” Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT) call center facility. This initiative is designed to offer essential support to farmers in different aspects of coconut harvesting and plant management operations.

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The launch event was attended by notable dignitaries, including C.F. Joseph, Advisor, Horticulture, Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture), and Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner and CEO of CDB.

The Objective of Hello Naariyal

The main goal of the “Hello Naariyal” initiative is to establish a specialized platform to cater to the requirements of coconut growers, providing expert guidance and services related to coconut cultivation. This initiative is anticipated to assist farmers not only in Kerala but also in traditional coconut-growing states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka through the respective unit offices of the Coconut Development Board.

Structure and Operations of the Hello Naariyal

The “Hello Naariyal” call center is based at the Coconut Development Board headquarters in Kochi, functioning as a central hub for offering assistance and information to coconut farmers. With a team of experts, the call center addresses queries and concerns related to coconut cultivation. The services are extended to 1,924 registered Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCTs), ensuring a broad reach to coconut farmers.

Services Offered by Hello Naariyal Initiative

The “Hello Naariyal” initiative delivers a range of services to support farmers at various stages of coconut cultivation, including:

Coconut Tree Climbing: Offering guidance and techniques for safe and efficient coconut tree climbing.
Plant Protection: Providing information on pest control and disease management to safeguard coconut trees and ensure a healthy yield.
Harvesting: Advising on optimal harvesting practices to maximize the yield and quality of coconuts.
Seed Nut Procurement: Assisting farmers in acquiring high-quality seed nuts for planting, contributing to the overall improvement of coconut orchards.
Nursery Management: Providing expertise in nursery management to enhance the development of healthy coconut seedlings.

Local Outreach

To provide effective on-the-ground support, the services of “Hello Naariyal” will be extended to block and gram panchayat levels in respective districts. This decentralized approach aims to address the specific needs and challenges faced by coconut farmers in different regions.

About the Coconut Development Board (CDB)

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India for the integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry in the country with a focus on productivity increase and product diversification.

Vision

To make India the global leader in coconut production and processing.

Mission

To promote sustainable coconut cultivation and processing for the economic and social development of coconut growers.

Objectives

To increase coconut production and productivity.
To improve the quality of coconut products.
To promote the diversification of coconut products.
To develop and disseminate improved coconut cultivation practices.
To promote the adoption of coconut processing technologies.
To facilitate market access for coconut products.
To promote research and development in the coconut sector.

Functions

Research and Development: The CDB conducts research on coconut cultivation and processing to develop improved varieties, cultivation practices, and processing technologies.
Extension and Training: The CDB provides extension services to coconut growers to educate them about improved cultivation practices and processing technologies.
Quality Control: The CDB conducts quality control testing of coconut products to ensure that they meet export standards.
Marketing and Promotion: The CDB promotes the consumption of coconut products and facilitates market access for coconut growers and processors.
Policy Advocacy: The CDB advocates for policies that support the development of the coconut sector.

Achievements

The CDB has developed several high-yielding coconut varieties.
The CDB has developed improved coconut cultivation practices that have increased coconut productivity.
The CDB has developed new coconut processing technologies that have improved the quality of coconut products.
The CDB has promoted the consumption of coconut products through various marketing campaigns.
The CDB has facilitated market access for coconut growers and processors through various initiatives.

Impact

The CDB has played a significant role in the development of the coconut sector in India. The CDB’s research and development efforts have led to the development of improved varieties, cultivation practices, and processing technologies. The CDB’s extension services have helped to educate coconut growers about improved cultivation practices. The CDB’s quality control testing has helped to ensure that coconut products meet export standards. The CDB’s marketing and promotion efforts have helped to increase the consumption of coconut products. The CDB’s market access initiatives have helped to connect coconut growers and processors with buyers.

Future Outlook

The CDB is committed to continuing to promote the development of the coconut sector in India. The CDB will continue to focus on research and development, extension and training, quality control, marketing and promotion, and policy advocacy. The CDB is also committed to promoting the adoption of climate-smart coconut cultivation practices and developing new coconut products.

The CDB is confident that its efforts will help to make India the global leader in coconut production and processing.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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