Coconut contributes 1 percent of the GNP and 2 percent of the total agricultural income of India which ranks third in the world production of coconut. India was the first country to take up systematic research on coconut. Research work was started at Kasargod and Nileshar stations of the then Madras Presidency (now in Kerala State) in 1916. The Nileshwar station is now part of the Kerala Agricultural University. The Kasargod station is the headquarters of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural research since 1970. These centres are still among the leading coconut research centres if the world.
Evolution of high and early bearing hybrids, development of coconut-based products, management practices and cropping system and control of pests and diseases are notable achievements of research during the last six decades. The root wilt of coconut is a serious problem which is yet to be remedied and concerted efforts are under way to tackle this problem.
The year 1976 marks the Diamond Jubilee of research on coconut. As part of the celebrations, an International Symposium on coconut is also being organised at Kasargod.
A postage stamp to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Coconut Research in India was issued.The stamp depicts a young hybrid (between tall and dwarf forms) coconut palm.
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