World Coconut Day being celebrated

The World Coconut Day is being celebrated today (September 2) to promote the importance of coconuts and their contributions to various aspects of life, including the economy, agriculture, and health.

The theme for World Coconut Day 2023 is 'Coconuts: Transforming Lives'. The day is particularly important for countries that heavily rely on coconut farming for their livelihoods and economies.

Coconuts are known for their versatility as every part of the coconut tree, from the fruit to the leaves, and even the roots, has some utility.

Coconuts are a significant part of the cultural and economic landscape in tropical regions.

The day also aims to raise awareness about the benefits of coconut cultivation and consumption.

The coconut fruit provides nutritious coconut water, its pulp or meat is delicious, and the oil derived from it is used in cooking, beauty products, and other items. Coconut husks, shells and leaves too are used for various purposes.

The day was first celebrated in 2009 by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), which is an intergovernmental organisation functioning under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

APCC comprises 19 coconut producing countries in the Asia Pacific region. The date of September 2 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the establishment of the APCC in 1969.