Western Ghats Kokum Foundation - Organic Farming Association of ...

Brief Report Of The 1st National Seminar On Kokum
In general, the Konkan region and Sindhudurg district are famous for their native
biodiversity. Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy) indigenous to the Western Ghats is an
extremely important fruit tree having culinary, pharmaceutical and industrial uses. It is
mainly found in forestlands, riversides, wastelands and generally cultivated on a small
scale. The Kokum recently has proved its multifaceted potential in national and
international markets. In the light of globalization and changing the market scenario this
crop undoubtedly has an immense potential.
Considering its increasing importance, it was felt that the crop needs detailed
studies on various aspects to generate research information and collect available
information in the Konkan and elsewhere to understand the present status. Accordingly, Dr.
B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri district initiated research at different
centres on this crop for varietal development, propagation and post-harvest management.
On the basis of the above consideration, the National Seminar cum Exhibition on Kokum
was held to provide a platform for scientists, farmers and entrepreneurs to exchange their
views/ideas regarding the present status of research and plan future approaches and
strategies for the promotion of the crop. Further, to focus upon it as a cash crop in the near
future and provide boost to the economic upliftment of the farming community around the
Western Coast of India.
The joint venture by the Western Ghats Kokum Foundation (WGKF) and Dr.
Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Dapoli Sindhudurg district (Maharashtra),
National Horticulture Board, Government of India, resulted in organizing the first ever
National Seminar on Kokum. It was held on the 12th and 13th May 2001 at the Regional
Fruit Research Station, Vengurla, Ratnagiri district (Maharashtra). Research on production,
processing of Kokum is limited and needs to be strengthened. Hence this seminar was held
to accomplish this endeavour.
The main personalities responsible in conducting this seminar were Prof. B.P. Patil,
Associate Director of Research and his colleagues at the Regional Fruit Research Station,
Vengurla; and Dr. Ajit Shirodkar, Western Ghats Kokum Foundation, Goa.
The Seminar witnessed technical sessions on four main aspects of Kokum:
? Crop improvement.
? Propagation technology.
? Production technology and economics.
? Post harvest technology and uses.
A total of 27 technical papers contributed by 34 experts were presented which covered the
above four mentioned aspects. Some notable papers included from Maharashtra:
Variability from morpho-physical properties on fruits on Kokum; Garcinia a unique genus
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Resource Book on Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy)
Western Ghats Kokum Foundation, Panaji - Goa