Coconut board seeks to spread cluster model in more states
Encouraged by its success in enhancing productivity (CDB) is extending the popular coconut cluster programme to more coconut producing areas in Kochi.
KOCHI: Encouraged by its success in enhancing productivity, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) is extending the popular coconut cluster programme to more coconut producing areas in Kochi.
The board intends to implement the programme in 5,000 hectares in seven states which include four southern states and Orissa, Assam and Meghalaya. Of this, 3,000 hectares will be in Kerala, the leading coconut producer of the country.
The number of clusters in the state will be increased to 120 from 104 during the year, covering all the 12 districts. The increased budget allocation of Rs 75 crore for 2008-09, compared to Rs 52 crore last year, is expected to help the board scale up the cluster programme.
The coconut clusters were implemented on a trial basis in four panchayats of Alappuzha district for the first time in India about three years ago.
The efficiency of the programme in impro1ving the production and productivity prompted the board to give it wider coverage. It played a part in arresting the decline in productivity and controlling cost of farming in Kerala.
"The primary requirement is contiguous area of coconut palms spread over at least 25 hectares. Such conditions are mostly found in the southern states," says Minnie Mathew, chairperson of CDB.
The programme immensely benefits small farmers having coconut farms of one hectare or less.
The farmers participating in the cluster get technical support from CDB. The board provides inputs like manure and pesticides while their application and irrigation are undertaken by the farmers.
Raising the intercrop is also the task of the farmers. The inputs are provided through accredited agencies and CDB makes the payment.
"The participating farmers prepare an action plan for two years under an elected convenor," Minnie Mathew said.
Apart from improving the production, the programme helps to increase the average income of the farmers through inter-cropping and integrated crop management.
It also facilitates value addition and improved marketing network.
The board intends to implement the programme in 5,000 hectares in seven states which include four southern states and Orissa, Assam and Meghalaya. Of this, 3,000 hectares will be in Kerala, the leading coconut producer of the country.
The number of clusters in the state will be increased to 120 from 104 during the year, covering all the 12 districts. The increased budget allocation of Rs 75 crore for 2008-09, compared to Rs 52 crore last year, is expected to help the board scale up the cluster programme.
The coconut clusters were implemented on a trial basis in four panchayats of Alappuzha district for the first time in India about three years ago.
The efficiency of the programme in impro1ving the production and productivity prompted the board to give it wider coverage. It played a part in arresting the decline in productivity and controlling cost of farming in Kerala.
"The primary requirement is contiguous area of coconut palms spread over at least 25 hectares. Such conditions are mostly found in the southern states," says Minnie Mathew, chairperson of CDB.
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The programme immensely benefits small farmers having coconut farms of one hectare or less.
The farmers participating in the cluster get technical support from CDB. The board provides inputs like manure and pesticides while their application and irrigation are undertaken by the farmers.
Raising the intercrop is also the task of the farmers. The inputs are provided through accredited agencies and CDB makes the payment.
"The participating farmers prepare an action plan for two years under an elected convenor," Minnie Mathew said.
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Apart from improving the production, the programme helps to increase the average income of the farmers through inter-cropping and integrated crop management.
It also facilitates value addition and improved marketing network.
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