Coconut palm climbers can now look forward to recognition at the national level. The Coconut Development Board (CDB) plans to give separate awards for this category under the national awards given to those engaged in coconut farming, processing, and exports. Applications in this connection should reach the CDB by July 5, 2015.
The best coconut palm climber award is for three categories — those using traditional methods, those under the CDB’s Friends of Coconut Trees scheme who use climbing machines, and for the best neera technician from the southern States. Neera technicians are those tapping neera from the palms.
For farmers
The awards for the best coconut farmer come in two categories: one at the national level and the other at regional levels — southwest region (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep) and the east and northeast region (all other States not grouped under the southwest region).
Under the best coconut farmer, southwest region and east and northeast region, there will be two awards each — big farmers with coconut cultivation above one hectare and small farmers having coconut cultivation up to a hectare.
The best coconut processor category will comprise two awards, one for conventional coconut products and the other for non-conventional coconut products.
Under the best research worker, there will be two awards: one for product development/new applications and uses for coconut/nutritional and biochemical findings and the other for machinery and equipment development.
Craftsmen
There will be two awards for master craftsman manufacturing coconut-based handicrafts under large-scale and small-scale categories. The best exporter of coconut products award also consists of two categories. One for exporters with an annual turnover of more than Rs.10 crore a year and for those having a turnover up to Rs.10 crore a year.
A CDB statement said that details and application forms for the awards were available free at CDB offices or can be downloaded from the board’s website www.coconutboard.gov.in.
Nomination or application for all awards may be sent to the Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, Kochi-682011.
