Kerala Agricultural University establishes coca cultivation centre for Idukki farmers

The Kerala Agricultural University has established a specialized coca cultivation centre in Idukki district to address the growing demand for high-quality saplings among local farmers. The facility is designed to serve as a resource hub for coca cultivation, offering improved plant varieties that are better suited to the region's agro-climatic conditions.

The garden will focus on producing healthy, disease-resistant saplings that can significantly improve crop yields and reduce losses due to plant diseases. By centralizing the propagation of quality planting material, the university aims to standardize coca cultivation practices across Idukki, one of Kerala's major spice-producing regions.

Farmers in the district will have direct access to certified saplings from the university's facility, eliminating reliance on informal nurseries and ensuring better plant health from the outset. The initiative is expected to strengthen the agricultural economy of Idukki, which has a long-standing tradition of spice cultivation.

KAU's move reflects the broader institutional commitment to supporting Kerala's farming community through research-backed agricultural innovations. The coca garden will also serve as a demonstration and training centre, where farmers can learn improved cultivation techniques directly from university experts.