Friends of Coconut Tree
20
trainees successfully completed training in
1
week [1
batch]
(
2023-2024
- started on
2023-04-01)(As on DataBase)
|
Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT)
Coconut Tree climbers are a rarity these days in Kerala and other coconut growing
states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra and Goa, with very few
taking on the traditional profession. Coconut climbers are a very vital link in
the production chain. The consistent supply of raw nuts for the market as well as
for the processing sector can be ensured only by strict adherence to the regular
harvesting schedule. In many areas, farmers are forced to seek help from migrant
labourers, who charge exorbitant amounts, despite not being familiar with the art
of coconut climbing. 'The scarcity of labour disrupts harvesting cycles thus causing
loss of income to the growers. As against the general norm of harvesting cycles
of 45-60 days, farmers are currently able to harvest only once in three to four
months. Though the Coconut Development Board is training unemployed youth in palm
climbing, there is a reluctance to enter this field because of the occupational
risk and the arduous labour involved in climbing tall coconut trees. In the recent
past there has been an array of coconut palm climbing devices developed by individuals,
Research Institutions, Universities and NGO’s , which are claimed to be safe and
easy to operate. But in spite of all the efforts taken in the recent past, there
is still an acute shortage of trained coconut palm climbers for harvesting and plant
protection activities. With a serious view to tackle this problem, the Board would
be conducting a massive training program to train about 5000 underemployed youth
in developing special skills and confidence in coconut palm climbing and plant protection
activities for the benefit of the coconut community as a whole.
Objective:
- To develop a professional group of youth under the banner of “Friends of Coconut
Tree” for harvesting and plant protection operations in coconut.
- To impart training to a group of unemployed youth in developing technical skills,
entrepreneurship capacity, leadership qualities and communication skills to address
the needs of the coconut growers.
- To make them self reliant and instill confidence in undertaking the responsibility
of “Friends of Coconut Tree”.
- To tackle the problem of unavailability of coconut tree climbers for coconut farming
and plant protection activities.
- Generate appropriate technologies to support sustainable growth of coconut sector
and generate employment opportunities for the youth.
Mode of implementation:
It is proposed to identify, train and handhold at least 5000 underemployed youth
under the “Friends of Coconut Tree” covering 10 major coconut growing districts
of the state of Kerala. The identification of youth can be carried out through Kudumbashree
units under the concerned local bodies, Kera karshaka samithis, Krishi Vigyan Kendras,
clusters, Coconut Producers societies (CPS), youth clubs under Nehru Yuva Kendras,
Vikas Vahini Volunteer clubs of NABARD(VVV), Primary Agricultural Societies, Coconut
Growers Cooperatives, NGOs and Self Help Groups of NGOs.
Criteria for selection:
- Age group of 18-40 yrs
- Preferably underemployed healthy individuals
- Free from any disability
- Minimum education up to seventh standard
- Minimum of 30% of trainees to be women
Program Coverage :
- 1. Coconut climbing techniques
- 2. Coconut harvesting operations and crown cleaning aspects
- 3. Spraying and pest control operation
- 4. Pollination and hybridization techniques
- 5. Plant protection measures
- 6. Identification of tender nut, mature coconut and seed nut
- 7. Developing Leadership quality and communication skills
- 8. Entrepreneurship development skills
- 9. Thrift/ Savings management
Address for communication:
The Chairman
Coconut Development Board
Kera Bhavan, SRV High School Road, Kochi – 11