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​Project Kalpataru is an initiative by Samashti Foundation aimed at addressing the growing challenges faced by coconut farmers in the Tumakuru region of Karnataka. In recent years, coconut cultivation has been increasingly affected by a combination of chronic and emerging plant health issues. Among the most significant are stem bleeding disease, a long-standing fungal infection that weakens coconut palms over time, and the more recent outbreak of rugose spiralling whitefly, which has rapidly spread across coconut-growing regions during 2024–2025. These combined pressures have led to a visible decline in tree health, productivity, and overall farm sustainability.

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Farm-level observations indicate a sharp drop in yields, with healthy coconut trees that once produced around 100–120 nuts per year now yielding only 30–35 nuts in affected areas. This reduction is often accompanied by smaller nut size and lower oil content, directly impacting farmer incomes. The situation is further aggravated by factors such as water stress, declining soil health, and limited awareness or adoption of sustainable plant health management practices. As a result, many farmers are caught in a cycle of increasing input costs and decreasing returns.

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Project Kalpataru responds to this urgent need through a holistic and sustainable approach to plant health management. The project focuses not only on treating diseased coconut trees but also on strengthening farmers’ knowledge and capacity to manage their farms more effectively. A key aspect of the initiative is the integration of Vrikshayurveda, an ancient Indian science of plant health care, which offers natural and eco-friendly solutions to improve soil vitality, enhance plant immunity, and restore crop productivity.

 

Through on-ground interventions, training sessions, and field demonstrations, the project introduces farmers to practical, low-cost, and sustainable techniques that reduce dependency on chemical inputs. By addressing both the immediate issue of disease treatment and the long-term need for resilient farming systems, Project Kalpataru aims to restore coconut yields, improve farmer livelihoods, and promote environmentally responsible agriculture. Ultimately, the initiative contributes to building a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem in the region.