World Coconut Day - 2nd September

 World Coconut Day - 2nd September

World Coconut Day - 2nd September 

Coconut, also known as ‘sri phal’ in Sanskrit and ‘nariyal’ in Hindi, is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. Interestingly, the term "coconut" may refer to the whole coconut palm including the edible part of the palm, which, botanically speaking, is a drupe instead of a nut, as opposed to the common use.

The plant’s name is derived from an old Portuguese word for "head" or "skull", as the three easily identifiable indentations on the coconut shell resemble a face.

Some facts about Coconut

Often associated with sunshine and tropical sandy beaches because of their preference for sandy beaches with warm summer seasons and relatively milder winter seasons. They are grown across the whole pacific region but a major portion of the world's coconut supply, about 75%, is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines and India combined.

World Coconut Day 2021: History and Significance

The coconut palm is often called the ‘tree of life’ owing to its versatile use in food, fuel, medicine, cosmetics, building materials and various other uses. In order to highlight the usefulness of coconut and its impact on society, the first world coconut day was celebrated on September 2, 2009, by the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).

Since then, every year under the APCC by the authority of UN-ESCAP (United nations economic and social commission for the Asia Pacific) this day is organised to highlight their policies and mark the course of action for promoting this tropical fruit and bringing awareness regarding its health benefits. This year’s theme for world coconut day is "Building a Safe Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Coconut Community Amid COVID-19 Pandemic & Beyond”.

In India, this day is celebrated with the support of the Coconut Development Board (CDB), across the states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, etc.

World Coconut Day 2021: Theme

Keeping in mind the Covid-19 pandemic, this year, the theme for the World Coconut Day 2021 is "Building a Safe Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Coconut Community Amid COVID-19 Pandemic & Beyond".

How World Coconut Day is celebrated?

Across several countries, this day is celebrated by raising awareness campaigns and technical sessions. These seminars are conducted to increase the production of the coconut and raise awareness regarding its usage. Many farmers and businessmen come to such events and exchange ideas and concerns about coconut production.

Benefits of Coconut

The wonderful tree justifies its title of the tree of life as not only does it provides food, water and raw materials such as fibre and wood, promoting its commercial production can also help in poverty alleviation and provide nutrient-rich cheap food sources in areas needing uplifting.

*Tamilvanan Philatelist*