Context

• Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
• The Rajya Sabha passed the Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Background

• Coconut Development Board (CDB) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• Its mandate is the integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry in the country with focus on productivity increase and product diversification.
• Its headquarters is located at Kochi in Kerala.
• The Board came into existence in 1981.
• At present, the Board has an executive Chairman who is a Joint Secretary level officer in the Government of India, appointed by that Government on deputation basis.

Highlights of the Amendment Bill

• The bill seeks to make the post of Chairman, Coconut Development Board as Non-Executive one.
• The board can undertake activities outside the country also.
• The number of members of the board has been raised from four to six as after the amendment.
• The bill will pave the way to appoint professional persons as a non- Executive Chairman instead of a government official.

Conclusion

• The step will be beneficial to the Coconut Growers at large.
• The objective behind the amendment to the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, was to bring more and more areas under coconut cultivation and to provide marketing facilities so that farmers are benefitted.

https://newsonair.com/2021/07/30/rajya-sabha-passes-coconut-development-board-amendment-bill-2021/

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