Posted On:
11 MAY 2026 5:22PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
The Coconut Development Board (CDB) has invited applications for its flagship scheme, Productivity Improvement through Coconut-based Cropping System (PICCS), aimed at enhancing coconut production, improving productivity, and increasing farmer income through sustainable and scientific farming practices. The scheme promotes an integrated and holistic approach to coconut cultivation by encouraging scientific crop management and coconut-based intercropping systems across the country.
The PICCS scheme is implemented on a cluster basis, enabling the development of region-specific projects suited to local agro-climatic conditions and farmer requirements. Interested stakeholders may prepare and submit detailed action plans for approval by the Board. Applications can be submitted directly by Farmer Groups as well as through facilitating agencies such as Krishi Bhavans, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Federations (FPFs), ICAR institutions, Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Under the scheme, farmers in approved clusters will receive support for various productivity enhancement and scientific management activities. Assistance includes the supply of essential inputs to improve soil fertility and coconut productivity. To promote coconut-based integrated farming and crop diversification, the Board will also provide quality planting materials for intercrops including Cocoa, Nendran and Njalipoovan banana, ginger, turmeric, elephant foot yam, colocasia and pepper.
The PICCS scheme has already demonstrated encouraging results in improving farm productivity and farmer livelihoods. During the previous financial year, the project covered 18,940 hectares across several states. In Kerala alone, the scheme benefited 32,497 farmers through 204 clusters covering approximately 8,089 hectares.
The last date for submission of applications is 5:00 PM on May 22, 2026. Application forms, detailed operational guidelines, and additional information are available on the official website of the Coconut Development Board; https://coconutboard.gov.in/docs/PICCSKerala_26-27.pdf
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