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The Coconut Development Board (CDB) will be implementing a programme of integrated farming in coconut holdings for productivity improvement in the four southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
As part of its programme, the board will arrange laying out of demonstration plots (LODP) directly in these states through selected Coconut Producers Societies (CPS). It has earmarked Rs 4.38 crore for the implementation of the LODP programme during 2013-14.
In Kerala, 40 CPS' have been selected to implement the programme in 1,000 hectare (ha) with an investment of Rs 1.75 crore. The selection of CPS' is being carried out in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. An amount of Rs 87.5 lakh has been allocated for the implementation of the programme in 500 ha in Tamil Nadu, Rs 1.22 crore for 700 ha in Karnataka and Rs 53 lakh for 300 ha in Andhra Pradesh.
The scheme is being implemented by the board on a cluster basis in a contiguous area of 25-50 ha. The integrated farming programme aims at increasing the production and productivity of coconut from unit holdings by proper and timely adoption of scientific package of practices in a farmer-participatory mode.
The coconut board is providing agricultural inputs for scientific management of unit holdings. This programme facilitates the adoption of appropriate coconut-based farming systems through a cost-effective manner.
