Diglipur, Mar 27: Timely harvesting of mature coconuts is one of the important factors to increase its production, but harvesting of coconut is a major problem for want of availability of sufficient trained or professional coconut palm climbers. The numbers of traditional or professional coconut palm climbers are declining day by day, and youth are not turning out for this job as coconut climbing is a tedious and risky task. Keeping these in view the Department of Agriculture has introduced “coconut climbing device” by which anyone can climb on a palm with little practice. Now farmers don’t have to depend on profession palm climbers who ask a huge amount for these tasks.
The device is available in two models one is Kerala Model by which one can climb while standing and another is TNAU model in which one can climb the palm while sitting. The device is so simple that even the ladies can easily climb the coconut palms without fear. These devices are popularized in many coconut growing states in India. To popularize in these Islands, the Zonal Agriculture Office at Diglipur conducted a Demonstration on coconut climbing device has been conducted on 26.3.12 at the Coconut Plantation,V.S.Pally, Diglipur under ATMA to create awareness and publicity among the farmers. The demonstration was practically demonstrated by Mr. Vinod Kumar, Unit Incharge, Raidco, Kerala and Miss Melinda, S.C.F.A.
Earlier Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Assistant Director (Agri), Diglipur welcomed the gathering of about hundred farmers and briefed about the importance of harvesting and crown cleaning of coconut palms ‘in time’ plays a major role in increasing the productivity of coconut. He also explained about the importance of the device which is time saving, money saving and a low risk factor.
All the participants enthusiastically participated and some of the farmers and departmental officials experienced with the climbing device with great interest and enthusiasm. The Programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Incharge of the farm, Mr. Samuel George, JAA.
