Suttur, October 15, 2026: A capacity-building programme on cocoa cultivation as an intercrop in coconut and arecanut plantations was jointly organised by the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development, Kochi; ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur; and Mondelez India Foods Private Limited, Karnataka, at the KVK premises on October 15.
Inaugurating the programme, Mrs. Bhagyalakshmi, General Manager, Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, Divisional Office, Mysuru, said that cultivating cocoa alongside major crops such as coconut and arecanut could provide additional income and reduce farmers’ dependence on a single crop. She stressed the need to address farmers’ concerns about cocoa marketing and encouraged them to take up cultivation confidently, stating that an established marketing system was available.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mr. Mohan, Manager, Mondelez India Foods Private Limited, Karnataka, assured farmers of his organisation’s support for cocoa cultivation. He said that farmers need not worry about marketing their cocoa produce. Referring to the availability of quality cocoa planting material at affordable prices, he urged farmers to use the opportunity to produce high-quality cocoa.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. Gnanesh B. N., Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS KVK, Suttur, said that introducing suitable intercrops, including cocoa, into coconut and arecanut plantations could improve land utilisation, generate additional income and strengthen farmers’ financial stability. He encouraged farmers to seek technical guidance from the KVK and adopt scientific cultivation practices to improve productivity and profitability.
During the technical session, Dr. Bhavishya, Senior Scientist, Regional Centre, Vittal, served as the resource person and provided comprehensive guidance on scientific cocoa cultivation. He covered the crop’s background, growth characteristics, suitable varieties, irrigation management, nutrient application, pest and disease management, and plant propagation techniques.
He explained methods of establishing cocoa as an intercrop in coconut and arecanut plantations, the scientific practices required and techniques to improve production. He also interacted with farmers and offered technical solutions to their cultivation-related queries.
Other guests included Mr. Prabhuswamy, a progressive cocoa farmer from Surahalli village in Nanjangud taluk; Mr. Shivakumar of Mondelez; and Mrs. Mamatha of the Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mysuru Divisional Office. KVK scientists Dr. Vinay, Dr. Prasad and Dr. Deepak were also present.
More than 80 farmers from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Hassan, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Tumakuru districts participated in the programme. They received guidance on scientific cocoa cultivation, intercropping management and market opportunities.
The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ income by promoting cocoa cultivation alongside existing plantation crops and encouraging crop diversification in horticulture.