Research programmes for sustainable cocoa production in India
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University entered into an agreement with Kraft Foods, the U.K., to carry out research programmes for sustainable cocoa production in India for three years.
According to a release, the project is to develop cocoa varieties with high yield and quality suited for hot humid tract of South India.
It also proposes to develop packages for high density planting systems as intercrop with coconut plantations.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Kumar, Dean, Horticulture, who is the nodal officer for the project, pointed out that it would be implemented at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore for three years, with a provision for extension.
K.P. Magudapathy, Associate Vice-President, Cadbury India Limited, said the company had been committed to cocoa farming in India for the lasts 48 years and had partnered with more than 66,000 farmers by helping them technically as well as providing them with high-quality hybrid seedlings.
The research partnership with TNAU was expected to help farmers help increase the yield.
The agreement was exchanged by K. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor of TNAU, and Mr. Magudapathy.
