Kerala, an investment friendly state
While speaking at the International Coconut Conference at Kozhikode, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan mentioned that Kerala is an investment-friendly state and that the state provides all forms of security to investors. International Coconut Conference is organized to discuss how technological innovations can be used to revive the coconut industry and thereby help farmers get better yields and prices. Finance Minister of Kerala, Dr. T.M Thomas Issac said that the industry is evolving and it possesses opportunities like never seen before.
Farmers familiarizing with modern tech
The conference was arranged, aiming at providing farmers with the opportunity to get acquainted with modern farming practices, encourage entrepreneurs and investors in coconut industry to learn about funding opportunities in coconut products and value additions and also make policy decisions for the sector. Representatives from International Coconut Community were also the part of the event.
Innovations in coconut industry
The two-day event held in Kozhikode also witnessed advanced methods of coconut cultivation, technology innovation in the sector and an exhibition of value-added products of coconut. The National Coconut Challenge by the Kerala Startup Mission was also held to address the problems faced by the farmers and investors in the coconut industry. Among 57 candidates who have submitted their Ideas, selected 12 ideas were pitched in front of a special panel.
Challenge winners
The team of Christ Engineering College, Iringalakuda, that introduced an automated system for climbing coconut trees and plucking coconuts came first. The ICAR-CPCRI team of Kayamkulam, which introduced the innovative pollination method came second and the idea that enabled virgin coconut oil production without waste came third. Winners will be given the opportunity to utilize the funding potential of Kerala Startup Mission and KSIDC.
