Literary classics of India have rightly termed the coconut  tree  as Kalpavriksha-the  all-giving   tree. It is also one of the five legendary Devavrikshas or Godly trees. The tree is capable of providing all the primary needs of man. It is one of the  most important tree crops of the world and the most beautiful among the palms with its  strong  and long ringed trunk  (up  to  30 metres)  surmounted at the top by a graceful crown of giant featherlike leaves.

Every part of the tree finds a variety of uses for mankind. Oil is extracted from the dried kernel of the fruits.  The kernel itself is used in an array of culinary preparations. The oil is not only a wholesome cooking medium but also has many other uses-in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, synthetic rubber; glycerin, etc. Coconut water is a delicious and nutritive drink.  The tender kernel is a delicacy. The fibre from the husk has versatile uses for making ropes, mats, baskets, brushes, brooms, etc., and also for rubberised mattresses. The young inflorescence when tapped gives a soap which is a refreshing beverage when fresh, and on fermentation it gives toddy, a mild alcoholic drink.  From the fresh sap sugar is also made. The shell finds varied usage, as fuel, drinking bowls, ladles, bangles, buttons, etc. The trunk of the palm is used as building material in almost all countries in the Tropics and is popularly called 'porcupine wood'. The mature leaves are plaited and used in thatching and basketry.

In terms of geographical distribution  coconut ranks first among the oil yielding crops  as it  is grown in as many as 76 developing countries. Interestingly, India's State 'Kerala' literally means the land  of coconuts. In this  State with an area of 38,864 sq.  km. and  a  population  density  of 549 persons per sq.km., a large percentage of the population is dependent on coconut for their livelihood.  Currently  the country  produces 5961 million nuts annually from 1.1 million hectares  of coconut plantations. Coconut contributes 1 per cent of the GNP and 2 per cent of the total agricultural income of India which ranks third in the world production of coconut.

India was the first country to take up systematic research on coconut. Research work was started at Kasaragod and Nileshwar stations of the then Madras Presidency (now in Kerala State) in 1916. The Nileshwar station is now part of the Kerala Agricultural University. The  Kasaragod  station is the headquarters of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research  since 1970.  These centres are still among the leading coconut research centres of the world. Evolution of  high and early bearing hybrids,  development  of coconut-based  products management practices and croppirig system and control of pests and diseases are notable achievements of research during the last six decades.  The root wilt of coconut is a serious problem which is yet to be remedied and concerted efforts are under way  to tackle  this problem.

This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of research on coconut. As part of the celebrations, an International Symposium on coconut is also being organised at Kasaragod.

The Posts & Telegraph s Department is happy to bring out a postage stamp to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Coconut Research in India.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India