COGENT aims to strengthen international collaboration in conservation and use of coconut genetic resources

The International Coconut Genetic Resources network (COGENT) was created in 1992 by Bioversity
International and CGIAR (Consultative Group on International agriculture research. The networks
gathers 39 coconut producing countries representing more than 98% of global coconut production.

COGENT aims to strengthen international collaboration in conservation and use of coconut genetic
resources; to promote improving coconut production on a sustainable basis, and to boost livelihoods
and incomes of coconut stakeholders in developing countries. COGENT has coordinated the creation
of a network of 5 international coconut genebanks (CPCRI India, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia and
Papua New Guinea) and 19 additional national genebanks.
Participants from 14 coconut growing countries (Brazil, China, India , Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya,
Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka ,Tanzania, and
Vietnam) and international organizations will attend the COGENT meeting. India will be represented
by Dr George V. Thomas, Director of the Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasaragod; Dr
H.P. Singh, Deputy Director General (Hort) of ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) will
be the Chief Guest for the opening session.
The meeting will discuss the future of coconut genetic resources, their conservation, utilization and
breeding, with a special care to the planting material production. Good quality coconut seedlings are
an essential requirement for sustainable coconut production, and they will contribute to enhance the
livelihood of coconut farmers. On Tuesday 10th July, at 10.30 Am, a public communication will be
organized to share the results and the ouputs of the meeting.
To know more:

COGENT website:

CPCRI website:

http://www.cogentnetwork.org

http://www.cpcri.gov.in