Friends of Coconut Tree – (FOCT)
To develop a professional group of youth for harvesting and plant protection operations in coconut, ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (IIHR) had organized a Vocational Training programme on “Coconut Tree Climbing and Plant Protection Measures” on 20th to 25th February, 2023 in collaboration and sponsored by the Coconut Development Board, Bengaluru.
On 20th February, 2023 the inaugural programme was started with ICAR & IIHR Theme Song. Dr. Raghu Deputy Director of Horticulture, Tumakuru took part in the programme as chief guest and inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address shared various scheme under ODOP and other insurance policies. He also addressed gathering on importance of the training programme for rural youths. Dr. N.Loganandhan, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli in his presidential address spoke about the coconut task force to be established in the district.
The content of this training programme included horticultural practices, selection of mother palm, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest and disease management etc. from technical experts and Banking / Savings management courses was also included during the training programme from LIC and savings experts from insurances companies and NGO’s. The skill oriented professional palm climbing practice classes were conducted by experienced master trainers regularly.
On 24th February, 2023 the FOCT trainees were viisted to National Horticulture Fair 2023 organized at ICAR- IIHR, Bengaluru and they had an opportunity to see different Horticultural technologies across the country and other technologies disseminated by KVK Hirehalli at fair. During 25th February, 2023 theory test on coconut aspects and coconut olympics climbing competition programme was organized at ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli for coconut climbing trainees.
Friends of Coconut Tree – Valedictory function was held on 27th February, 2023 in presence of by Sri G. S. Basavaraju, Honorable Member of Parliament (MP), Tumakuru. Dr. N .Loganandhan Principal Scientist and Head, KVK, Hirehalli presided over the programme. Smt. Bhagya, T., President, Gram Panchayat, Hirehalli, Dr. K.H.Ravikumar, Joint Director of Agriculture, Tumakuru, Dr. Ashok T.N. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Tumakuru, Dr. G. Deepashree, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Madhugiri, Tumakuru were participated as a chief guests and all the KVK staff members were participated, during the day Coconut Tree Climbing equipment, certificates and course manual were distributed to twenty trainers from Tumakuru district Viz., Tumakuru, Koratagere, and Madhugiri taluks participants undergone vocational training programme at ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli, which was coordinated by Sri Prashanth J.M., SMS, Horticulture, ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli and all the staff members involved in the programme.
The task force on climbing the coconut trees will be formed to cater the needs of coconut farmers who are facing acute shortage of laborers especially for coconut harvesting.
