Coimbatore, India – August 27, 2024 – Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director of the International Coconut Community (ICC), and Mr. Alit Pirmansah, Market and Statistic Officer, participated in the Coconut Festival 2024, held at the Anna Auditorium of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore, India. The event was a collaborative effort between TNAU, the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation, and the Coconut Development Board (CDB), featuring a symposium, exhibition, and an awards ceremony honoring key stakeholders for their significant contributions to India's coconut sector.
The event was inaugurated by Coimbatore Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, who emphasized the importance of mechanization in coconut farming. He encouraged farmers to adopt technologies such as harvesters, coconut peeling machines, and fertilizer-spraying drones to enhance productivity and reduce costs, particularly in light of the current labor shortages.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw delivered the keynote address. She said that this year, we are celebrating the coconut festival under a timely and visionary theme "Coconut for a Circular Economy & Partnership for Maximum Value." This theme reflects the essence of what the coconut industry must aspire to in the years ahead—a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative approach that maximizes the value of every part of the coconut, from the tree to the fruit, and beyond. She expressed the ICC’s commitment to fostering partnerships and supporting initiatives that drive the transition to a circular economy. Other distinguished speakers included Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor of TNAU, Nitin Kathuria, Director of the Parachute Kalpavriksha Foundation; Kamatchi Chellammal, recipient of the 2024 Padma Shri Award and Hanumantha Gowda, Chief Coconut Development Officer at CDB.
The symposium was divided into two sessions. The first session underscored the importance of collaboration within the coconut industry to promote sustainable agriculture, featuring nine speakers, including Dr. Alouw who was sharing insights on global opportunities and partnerships within the coconut industry. The second session, with eight speakers, focused on the role of coconuts in a circular economy, highlighting innovations aimed at fostering a sustainable future.
