33rd Annual Meeting of ICAR’s All India Project Palm and Coconut Commences at Bihar Agricultural University

Chirag Gupta

Bhagalpur: The 33rd Annual Meeting of the All India Project Palm and Coconut, organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has begun at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour. This significant event, the first of its kind in the eastern region of India, focuses on the development and cultivation of palm, coconut, betel nut, oil palm, and cocoa. The meeting, scheduled from August 21 to 23, will also review ongoing projects across the country and outline the technical plan for the coming year.

Around 60 scientists from various agricultural universities across India are participating in the meeting. Among the key attendees are ADG Horticulture, ICAR New Delhi, Dr. V. B. Patel, Director of Central Plantation Crop Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasargod, Dr. K. B. Heber, and Director of Indian Oil Palm Research Institute (ICAR-IIOPR), Dr. K. Suresh. The event is being held under the leadership of project coordinator Dr. Augustine Gerard.

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to the guests, followed by the screening of the documentary “Safarnama,” which highlights the activities of Bihar Agricultural University. In his inaugural address, Vice Chancellor of BAU, Dr. D. R. Singh, emphasized the importance of this meeting being held in Bihar and highlighted the state’s leading position in the production of litchi, makhana, and honey. He urged experts to explore the potential for palm and coconut cultivation in Bihar, suggesting that dwarf palm varieties could be especially beneficial for local farmers.

Dr. V. B. Patel commended the achievements of BAU in horticulture and expressed confidence that the meeting would yield valuable recommendations for farmers in Bihar. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ruby Rabi Rani, acknowledging the presence of all directors and deans at the occasion.