'Hello Naariyal' Call Centre Launched By CDB

Introduction

In a significant move to support coconut farmers and enhance coconut cultivation practices, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) has recently launched the “Hello Naariyal” Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCT) call centre facility. This initiative aims to provide valuable assistance to farmers in various aspects of coconut harvesting and plant management operations. The launch event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including C.F. Joseph, Advisor, Horticulture, Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) and Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner and CEO of CDB.

Objective of “Hello Naariyal”

The primary objective of the “Hello Naariyal” initiative is to create a dedicated platform to address the needs of coconut growers, offering expert guidance and serving related to coconut cultivation. This initiative is expected to benefit farmers not only in Kerala but also in traditional coconut-growing states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka through the respective unit offices of the Coconut Development Board.

Structure and Operations

The “Hello Naariyal” call centre operates from the CDB headquarters in Kochi, serving as a central hub for providing assistance and information to coconut farmers. The call centre is equipped with a team of experts ready to address queries and concerns related to coconut cultivation. The services extend to 1,924 registered Friends of Coconut Trees (FoCTs), ensuring a widespread reach.

Services Offered

The initiative offers a range of services aimed at supporting farmers at different stages of coconut cultivation. These services include:

Coconut Tree Climbing: Providing guidance and techniques for safe and efficient coconut tree climbing.
Plant Protection: Offering information on pest control and disease management to protect coconut trees and ensure healthy yield.
Harvesting: Advising on optimal harvesting practices to maximum yield and quality of coconut.
Seed Nut Procurement: Assisting farmers in procuring high-quality seed nuts for planting, contributing to the overall improvement of coconut orchards.
Nursery Management: Providing expertise in nursery management to enhance the development of healthy coconut seedings.

Local Outreach

To ensure effective on-the-ground support, the services of “Hello Naariyal” will be extended to block and grama panchayat levels in respective districts. This decentralized approach aims to cater to the specific needs and challenges faced by coconut farmers in different regions.