World Coconut Day 2025 celebrated in Guwahati with focus on scientific farming and enterprise development

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 2, 2025

The Coconut Development Board, Regional Office, Guwahati, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, celebrated World Coconut Day 2025 at the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Khanapara, on Tuesday. This year’s observance was held under the theme “Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action.”

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Manoranjan Neog, Director of Extension Education, Assam Agricultural University, who served as the chief guest. In his address, Dr. Neog stressed the importance of quality planting material and scientific farming practices in boosting coconut productivity, ensuring sustainability, and improving farmer incomes.

A technical session followed, bringing together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to deliberate on region-specific strategies for coconut cultivation and enterprise development in Northeast India. Dr. Himadri Shekhar Datta, Associate Professor at AAU’s College of Horticulture and FSR, Nalbari, and Dr. Sarat Saikia, Principal Scientist, AAU-HRS, Kahikuchi, shared insights on enhancing opportunities for coconut-based industries.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Nripen Das, Director of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam; Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Guwahati; Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI Zone-VI; Dr. Mridul Deka, Associate Dean, College of Horticulture and FSR, AAU; and Dr. Rajat Kumar Pal, Director, Coconut Development Board, Regional Office, Guwahati.

As part of the celebrations, an exhibition showcased coconut-based handicrafts and food products created by entrepreneurs supported by the Coconut Development Board. The display highlighted the scope of coconut in value addition, entrepreneurship, and livelihood generation, underscoring its potential to contribute to rural economies in the region.