While the state-owned Ipicol would provide the land and other logistic supports, the CDB would supply the technology and the machineries.According to CDB (eastern region) director S Ghose, Orissa has been selected for the location of the plant because of the state is emerging as a major coconut growing centre in the country.

The area under coconut plantation in Orissa has increased by 92.03 per cent since 1985 when the board opened up its office in Orissa with a view to give a boost to coconut farming. While the coconut growing area was 27,600 hectares in 1985, it has been increased to 53,000 hectares now. Similarly, the coconut production has increased by 101.26 per cent during the last 15 years. The state is now producing 271.5 million nuts as against 134.9 million nuts in 1985.

The sudden increase in coconut productionis attributed to the consistent efforts of the board and the state horticulture directorate. The two organisations jointly implemented several coconut development schemes like increasing coconut growing area, canal bank coconut farming, integrated farming, and supply of hibrid coconut saplings. The success of the pilot plant would further boost the coconut production in the state, says Ghose.

This would lead to commercial processing of coconut for production of creams, milk, powder, venegar, jam, soft drink, copra which are in great demand in foreign countries, he adds.

According to CDB director a training centre for enterpreneurs interested in setting up coconut based industries would also be established in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, the state government has allotted 40 hectares in Puri district to the board to set up a coconut demonstration farm.