KVK Lakshadweep of ICAR-CMFRI hosts Coco Fest-2024 with a fusion of tradition and innovation
A massive turnout has been witnessed at the three-day coconut festival, Coco Fest 2024 held in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep from November 20th to 22 nd November 2024, with thousands of Islanders flocking to the event with a festive spirit. The event turned into a blend of local tradition with technological innovation with a grand celebration of the region's rich coconut heritage.
The coconut festival was organised jointly by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Lakshadweep of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Department of Agriculture, Lakshadweep Administration and KICPCOS Farmer Producer Organisation, Kavaratti. It aimed to reinforce coconut as the lifeline of Islanders in local livelihoods and traditions by bringing together all the stakeholders under one roof. The festival was designed as a fusion of symbolising culture, art and technology - all centred around coconut, featuring a diverse range of activities from technological exhibitions and value-added product showcases to entrepreneur meets, food fests, farmer-scientist interfaces and traditional art performances. Unique events like coconut climbing contests and food recipe competitions, combined with traditional art and music performances, made the festival a popular attraction.
The Coco Fest was inaugurated by Dr Udham Singh Gautam, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, in the presence of Dr. Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, Dr V Venkattasubramanian, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Dr K B Hebbar, Director of ICAR-CPCRI, Dr J Dinakara Adiga, Director of ICAR-DCR and Dr P N Ananth, Head of KVK Lakshadweep.
Inaugurating the fest, Dr Udham Singh Gautam indicated to work on safeguarding the coconut trees and introducing innovations to increase production and productivity.
The impact of the festival was far-reaching. Coco Fest-2024 significantly increased awareness about the coconut's importance and its versatile applications, empowering farmers with knowledge of modern agricultural practices and providing them a platform to market their products. The event also gave a much-needed economic boost, attracting numerous visitors and generating business opportunities for local vendors and exhibitors, thereby supporting the tourism industry. Additionally, the festival served as a cultural bridge, promoting cultural exchange and highlighting Lakshadweep's rich traditions on a larger stage.
A special session was held at the fest on 21 st November in observance of the World Fisheries Day. Dr. P. N. Ananth, Organising Secretary of the festival and Head of KVK-Lakshadweep coordinated the Coco Fest-2024.
