KOCHI: The Coconut Development Board has decided to extend direct implementation of integrated farming in coconut holdings during the current financial year. The decision comes as the Board reviews integrated farming introduced on a cluster basis last year.

The Board had introduced integrated farming in four clusters in Alappuzha district — Kanjikkuzhi, Pattanakkad, Uzhuva and Muthukulam.

The programme will now be extended to 16 more clusters on 25 hectares of land each in the State. It will be implemented with the help of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, cooperative societies, non-governmental organisations and self-help groups.

The Board aims to converge the activities in such a way that operations starting from production can be linked to processing and marketing.

A review of last year's farming activities reported that adoption of scientific methods and an integrated approach had resulted in better production, productivity and higher net income for farmers.

One of the achievements was that group activities had resulted in lower cost of cultivation and higher income. Promotion of organic farming and establishment of organic units were highlighted during the review.

In the Muthukulam cluster, a community nursery was established while integrated pest management measures resulted in reduction of pest attacks. Scientists in charge of the project have stressed the need for continued group activities even after the projects are completed. They have also pointed to involvement of women in farm processing that can lead to better income generation.

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