Jose helped set up new coconut farmer producer companies, besides turning around old ones

‘Neera man’ T.K. Jose, who helped bring the sweet drink made from coconut flowers out of the shackles of the Abkari Act to unleash its commercial potential, steps down as Chairman of the Coconut Development Board this week after an eventful tenure.

Over the last more than five years, Mr. Jose helped create new coconut farmer producer companies and turn around the old ones. He was instrumental in forming an army of coconut technicians, including Neera tappers, and tree climbers. He also laid down a roadmap for the growth of the business through value addition.

“The credit for pursuing the cause of Neera must go to the outgoing Chairman,” said V.K. Raju, former Associate Director of Research, Kerala Agricultural University, and an expert in Neera tapping.

Mr. Jose, an IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, joined the Coconut Development Board in May 2011 and immediately set about reviving the three-tier system of coconut farmers’ organisations. The outgoing Chairman also worked hard to bring Neera out of the Kerala Abkari Act.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – May 19th, 2016