Centenary of Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod: A Century of Research Excellence

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, celebrates 100 years of pioneering research and development in plantation crops. Established as the Coconut Research Station in 1916, the Institute has played a leading role in advancing scientific studies and promoting sustainable cultivation of coconut, arecanut, and cocoa across India.

Historical Background

The Coconut Research Station at Kasaragod, Kerala, was founded in 1916 by the Madras Presidency to address issues faced by coconut growers. In 1948, it was taken over by the Indian Central Coconut Committee (ICCC), marking the beginning of organized research in plantation crops.

In 1970, the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI) came into existence as part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This was achieved through the merger of:

• Central Coconut Research Station, Kasaragod
• Central Arecanut Research Station, Vittal
• Five substations located at Padegon and Kannara (Kerala), Hirehalli (Karnataka), Mohitnagar (West Bengal) and Kahikuchi (Assam)

This consolidation created a strong, integrated institute dedicated to plantation crop improvement and sustainability.

Expansion and Regional Centres

CCRS, Kayamkulam (Kerala)

The Central Coconut Research Station at Kayamkulam was established in 1948 by the ICCC. Originating from the Agricultural Research Laboratory founded in 1937 at Kollam, it focused on tackling coconut plant protection problems. The station became a regional centre of ICAR-CPCRI in 1970.

CARS, Vittal (Karnataka)

Research on arecanut began in 1947, leading to the establishment of the Central Arecanut Research Station in 1956. After ICAR-CPCRI was formed in 1970, this station became one of its regional centres, providing a firm foundation for arecanut research.

Research Centre, Kahikuchi (Assam)

Set up in 1959 as a Regional Arecanut Research Station, this centre was merged with ICAR-CPCRI in 1973, extending the Institute’s research reach to the northeastern region.

Research Centre, Mohitnagar (West Bengal)

Established in 1958 under the Arecanut Research Station, this centre was incorporated into ICAR-CPCRI in 1970, supporting plantation research in eastern India.

Research Centre, Kidu (Karnataka)

Started as a Seed Farm in 1972, Kidu was upgraded to a Research Centre in 2002. It focuses on producing genetically superior planting materials for coconut, arecanut, and cocoa. The International Coconut Gene Bank for South Asia (ICG-SA), under COGENT, was established here in 1998 to preserve vital coconut genetic resources.

Minicoy Centre (Lakshadweep)

The ICAR Research Complex for Lakshadweep was established in 1976 at Minicoy Island and placed under CPCRI’s administration. After various reorganizations, it was reinstated under CPCRI in 1994 and functioned as a regional station until 2011. Today, it operates as a demonstration-cum-production centre to promote fruit and vegetable cultivation in the islands.

National Coordination and Research Network

The All India Coordinated Coconut and Arecanut Improvement Project (AICCAIP) was initiated in 1972, headquartered at CPCRI, Kasaragod. In 1986, it evolved into the All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms (AICRP), which now functions through 21 centres across 12 State Agricultural Universities and one Central Institute.

CPCRI has also nurtured the establishment of several important ICAR institutions, including:

• ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute
• ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research
• ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research

Contributions and Achievements

Over the decades, ICAR-CPCRI has made significant contributions to India’s leadership in coconut and arecanut production. The Institute’s key achievements include:

• Development of high-yielding varieties of coconut, arecanut, and cocoa
• Application of biotechnological innovations for crop improvement
• Introduction of bio-control methods for pest and disease management
• Creation of advanced production technologies for higher productivity
• Design of farm machineries for pre- and post-harvest operations
• Development of value-added products to boost rural livelihoods

The Institute has been equally committed to transferring these technologies to farmers and stakeholders through effective extension programmes and outreach initiatives.

Recognition and Legacy

In recognition of its outstanding contributions to agricultural research, ICAR-CPCRI received the Sardar Patel Outstanding Institution Award in 2002 from ICAR. The Institute continues to serve as a centre of excellence in plantation crop research, guiding India’s progress toward sustainable agricultural development.

To commemorate the Centenary of ICAR-CPCRI, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp, honouring a century of the Institute’s pioneering efforts in plantation crop science and its enduring service to Indian agriculture.