Six districts -Peren, Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon, in certain areas have potential for coconut plantation due to lower altitude. This was stated by director of Horticulture Dr. R. Elithung Lotha while speaking on the occasion of “World Coconut Day” under the theme, “Coconut for family wellness” at the conference hall of directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on September 2.
The event was sponsored by Coconut Development Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, government of India.
In this regard, he encouraged the farmers to grow coconut trees, but informed them that it normally takes 7-8 years to bear fruits.
He also highlighted various other benefits of coconut.
Horticulture extension assistant, Asangmenla in her presentation on coconut development board value addition said coconut tree was also known as “Tree of Life” because every part of the plant was useful.
Highlighting more on the benefits of coconut, she said the coconut palm supplies food, drink and shelter and also supplies raw material to number of industries intimately connected with domestic as well as economic life.
Considering the various benefits of coconut, she said all efforts should be made to promote the cultivation practices and value added products of coconut.
She said that India is leading in the global coconut production and productivity, where 20.82 lakh hectare in 16 states and four union territories were under coconut cultivation.
She said coconut contributes to more than Rs.25,000 crore to country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 12 million households depend on coconut for their livelihood. In 2017-18, coconut product worth around Rs 1764.31 crores were exported, Asangmenla said.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by deputy director of Horticulture Y. Bongti Konyak, while vote of thanks was said by horticulture officer T. Amenla.