Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, today inaugurated the 6th State Centre of the Coconut Development Board in Junagadh, Gujarat. Tomar also kicked off the 24th World Coconut Day festivities. Tomar stated in his address that, in addition to coconut cultivation, processing and marketing are growing in our country, and India is also leading in terms of coconut exports.
Farmers cultivating coconut through the Board benefit from the government's schemes, increasing their income while also contributing to the country's economy. Every year on September 2nd, World Coconut Day commemorates the International Coconut Community's founding day (ICC). This year's World Coconut Day theme is "Cultivate coconut for a happy future and life."
On this occasion, Tomar congratulated the Coconut Development Board's National Award and Export Excellence Award winners, as well as farmers gathered in Kochi (Kerala) for World Coconut Day via video conference.
Tomar stated that coconut has been used for worship and oil extraction since ancient times and that processors now produce a variety of products. Their market in the country is expanding, and our country has also risen to the top of the world in terms of coconut export. The Central Government is constantly collaborating with the States to increase coconut cultivation and processing.
The Coconut Development Board is meticulously implementing the schemes. He stated that coconut cultivation is an excellent farming practice. The greater the increase, the greater the benefits to farmers and the country. He expressed hope that the new State Centre established in Gujarat would benefit farmers, increasing their income and increasing the area under coconut cultivation. Tomar praised Gujarat's government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, for its dedication to agriculture. The rains have been good in the state, and farmers are pleased with the agricultural development schemes, he said.
The function was attended by Gujarat Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cow Breeding Minister Raghavjibhai Patel, Junagadh MP Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama, Junagadh MLA and other public representatives, and Central Horticulture Commissioner Dr. Prabhat Kumar. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Nadendla, Joint Secretary and Board President, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, gave the opening remarks.
