World Coconut Day marked at ICAR JSS KVK, Suttur with training, farmer–scientist interaction and drone demo
Suttur, September 4, 2025: Suttur, Mysuru (Karnataka) — On World Coconut Day, ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur—along with the Institute of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Mysore Unit; ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Pest Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru; and Shobhit Nanjegowda Farm, Kennalu—jointly organized a day-long programme themed “Let’s spread the power of coconut to the world.” The event featured training on improved coconut cultivation practices and a farmer–scientist interaction at ICAR JSS KVK, Suttur.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri N. M. Shivashankarappa, Director of Horticulture, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, with a ceremonial watering of a coconut sapling.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. K. R. Ravindra, Secretary, IAT (Mysore Unit) and retired Assistant Director of Agriculture, delivered a keynote on the significance of World Coconut Day. He urged wider outreach on the importance and potential of coconut and introduced the working style of the Agricultural Technicians’ Association. He welcomed participants and emphasized that adopting coconut in multi-cropping and integrated farming systems is more beneficial than cultivating it as a sole crop.
Dr. Gundappa, Senior Scientist, NBAIR, Bengaluru, highlighted NBAIR’s ongoing work on the biological management of key coconut pests, including spiral whitefly and the blackhead worm—and noted that interested farmers would be trained in the production of predatory and parasitic organisms.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. B. N. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR JSS KVK, Suttur, described coconut as a mythological tree whose every part is useful. Observing the rise in coconut cultivation, he cautioned that farmers are often confused while selecting quality seedlings and face non-availability issues. He provided guidance on selecting and raising good seedlings and explained how agricultural waste available in coconut plantations can be used to manage the plantation holistically.
Progressive farmer Basavanna of Ayarahalli shared the water-use technologies and other innovations he has implemented in his coconut garden and urged farmers to adopt scientific practices. Chandrashekhar of Shobhit Nanjegowda Farm encouraged farmers to set up coconut nurseries as a pathway to enterprise.
Dr. Vinay G. M., Horticultural Scientist, JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, delivered technical sessions covering coconut varieties, plant production, integrated nutrient management, intercropping, and water management.
Dr. Selvarajan Kehiriya, Senior Scientist, NBAIR, Bengaluru, conducted a drone demonstration on spraying Iceria fumarosa for whitefly management in coconut.
In the subsequent farmer–scientist interaction, Dr. Ramegowda and Dr. Prasad Y. P. explained the symptoms and integrated management of major pests and diseases in coconut, including rhinoceros beetle, red snout beetle, nits, whitefly, sap-sucking disorders, fungal diseases, downy mildew, and other related problems.
The event saw active participation from scientists of the Agricultural Science Center, Mrs. Divya H. V., Shamraj, and other staff members—along with members of the Agricultural Technicians’ Association, progressive farmers from Farmers’ Associations, and over 150 farmers, including women farmers, who took part and benefited from the knowledge shared.
