Scientists in Andaman plan fresh strategy for high coconut yield

PortBlair, Sep 03 (UNI) Though more than 50 per cent of agricultural land of the lush green islands of Andaman and Nicobar are is under coconut plantations but scientists in Andamans feel that the yield is lower when compared to that of the mainland India.

"There is need to work out a technological method for cultivation of coconut, besides introducing high yield seedlings to increase the coconut production in the islands," said Dr R C Srivastava, the Director, Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI).

Dr Srivastava said the CARI was working on the project and the technique will soon be transferred to islands' farmers.

Coconut plantation is found in every corner of this island chain especially in Nicobar Group of islands where coconut plantation is the life line of Nicobari tribal people.

According to the scientist as most of the coconut trees are either very old or are of ordinary breed the islanders are not getting good returns. Pest attack is another major problem for coconut trees.

CARI was also encouraging to adopt multi cropping system in their coconut plantation to add income generation, Dr. Srivastava said.

He said the CARI was focusing on soil and water management practices, the various measures for controlling coconut plant diseases that are caused by rhinocerous beetle and significance of integrated pest management (IPM) in coconut plantation.

Tsunami in 2004 had damaged 8069 hectare of agricultural land many are still inundated with sea water. However, scientists and local Administration had reclaimed 2419 hectare of Agriculture land but the damage was severe.

Since tsunami scientists of CARI were putting their all effort to spread awareness about agriculture and transferring scientific techniques to farmers.

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