The Coconut Development Board (CDB), Regional Office, Guwahati, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, celebrated World Coconut Day 2025 on Tuesday at the Directorate of Horticulture & Food Processing, Khanapara. This year’s theme was “Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action.”
Dr. Manoranjan Neog, Director of Extension Education, Assam Agricultural University, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the importance of quality planting materials and urged farmers to adopt scientific practices to enhance productivity, ensure crop sustainability, and raise incomes.
Following the inauguration, a technical session brought together experts and stakeholders to deliberate on opportunities for coconut cultivation in the Northeast. Dr. Himadri Shekhar Datta, Associate Professor, College of Horticulture & FSR, AAU, Nalbari, and Dr. Sarat Saikia, Principal Scientist, AAU-HRS, Kahikuchi, highlighted region-specific strategies and the potential for coconut-based enterprise development.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Nripen Das, Director of Horticulture & Food Processing, Assam; Shri Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Guwahati; Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI Zone-VI; Dr. Mridul Deka, Associate Dean, College of Horticulture & FSR, AAU; and Dr. Rajat Kumar Pal, Director, CDB Regional Office, Guwahati.
As part of the celebration, an exhibition of coconut-based handicrafts and food products was also organized, showcasing innovative works by entrepreneurs supported by the CDB. The display reflected the diverse potential of coconut for value addition, livelihood generation, and entrepreneurship development in the region.
Officials said the celebration aimed to spread awareness about coconut’s role in food security, economic growth, and rural self-reliance, while encouraging farmers in the Northeast to explore the crop’s potential.
