Guwahati: The Coconut Development Board is planning to propose a technology demonstration-cum-business incubation centre in Abhayapuri for the Financial Year 2023-24. This is among the several initiatives that the board is taking to help producers.

Speaking to Business Northeast, the board’s regional director, Dr Rajat Kumar Pal, said the main objective of this centre is to provide techno-economic support to entrepreneurs and self-help groups producing coconuts.

To encourage the processing sectors and marketing of coconut products, the board is proposing the incubation centre on a 100-acre demonstration cum seed processing (DSP) farm in Abhayapuri.

He said initially virgin coconut oil and desiccated coconut powder will be produced. Later, diversification will be attempted using low-cost technologies.

A business incubation centre will also be made where the beneficiaries will come and use the facilities of the machinery for producing some coconut products and sell in the market. This is the primary objective in FY2023-24. It is going to be set up in Bongaigaon, Abhayapuri.

Further, the Board may set up sales outlets, called Coconut Kiosks, in Guwahati and other northeastern states.

Any individual linked to Coconut Development Board, Farmer Producer Organisations and Farmer Producer Companies can take this initiative by applying in the coconut development board website with their all details.

The requirement for the stall will be 60 square feet area and occupation will be on a lease basis for three years. “This can be done on their own land. But it is better to put the stalls in the market area with more population density. These outlets will be erected to sell coconut products,” said the director.

These products can also be imported from Southern companies. The Coconut Development Board will facilitate the procurement of coconut products from southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The board is expecting 10-15 kiosks in Guwahati area.

Assam has tremendous scope in promoting coconut-based industries in its districts. Out of the total production of 160 million nuts per year, 60% is consumed for religious purposes and 40% is available for the coconut processing sector.

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