Question : Development of High Yielding Varieties of Coconut

(a) whether the Government is considering to develop high yielding varieties of coconut in the country, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether such kind of research is progressing in collaboration with the Government or Non-Government Organizations;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether various research institutes are working on developing drought resistant varieties of coconut; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which these varieties will be beneficial for better coconut production?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã ??? ????? ?????? ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ À㕾㠽ãâ¨ããè ( SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA )

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Research for developing high yielding varieties of coconut in the country is undertaken by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, State Agricultural Universities and Coconut Development Board. 36 high yielding coconut varieties have been released by ICAR Research Institutes and State Agricultural Universities.

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod has undertaken research for developing tissue culture technology for rapid multiplication of coconut planting material and has also conducted research in collaboration with CDB for production of drought tolerant palms.

Tamil Nadu Agriculture University has undertaken research on “Standardization of in vitro culture techniques through somatic embryogenesis for propagation of elite coconut cultivars”.

(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. Five drought tolerant, tall varieties from ICAR Institutes and one variety from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore have been released for cultivation. Details of varieties are at Annexure-I.