World Coconut Day is annually observed across the globe on 2 September to highlight the importance of coconuts and their contributions to agriculture, industry, cuisine, etc.
- The day is also observed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by coconut farmers and the need for sustainable coconut production practices.
- The 2024 theme of World Coconut Day is, “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value.”
The Day marks the foundation of the International Coconut Community (ICC), (formerly the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), in 1969, with India as a founding member.
Background:
i.In 2009, APCC started the initiative of celebrating World Coconut Day on September 2 every year.
- The date of September 2 was chosen to coincide with the foundation day of the APCC.
ii.APCC is an intergovernmental organization of coconut-producing countries organised under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP).
iii.Since then, World Coconut Day has been organised annually under the APCC by the authority of United Nations – Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UN-ESCAP), to highlight their policies and mark the course of action for promoting this tropical fruit and bringing awareness regarding its health benefits.
2024 Events:
The ICC and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) through Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK), Ministry of Agriculture, organised a series of events including a Conference to mark the World Coconut Day 2024.
- The events are being organised at the APEC Haus & Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, in Port Moresby, PNG, from 30 September to 4 October 2024.
Events in India:
i.Kochi (Kerala)-based Coconut Development Board (CDB) celebrated World Coconut Day on 2, September 2024, at Town Hall in Ernakulam, Kerala.
- The CDB came into existence on 12th January 1981, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).
ii.The Day was also celebrated in all Unit Offices of the CDB across India in association with State Agriculture/Horticulture Departments and State Agricultural Universities.
Key Points:
i.A coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos Nucifera), a large palm tree.
ii.Coconut palms are native to coastal regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- They are now grown throughout the tropics, including the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Africa and the Pacific.
iii.The top 3 leading producers of coconuts are Indonesia, Philippines, and India.
iv.India, the Philippines, and Indonesia are major coconut-producing countries, with India contributing to 72% of global production.
- India is the only country where coconut farmers invest in systematic cultivation with capital costs like irrigation and external inputs.
About the International Coconut Community (ICC):
Executive Director (ED)– Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw
Headquarters– Jakarta, Indonesia
Founded– 1969
