Future-proofing the plantation sector for wellbeing and welfare: Insights from PLACROSYM XXVI

Abstract

Although plantation crops occupy less than 5% of India’s cultivated area, they contribute approximately 10% to the agricultural GDP and 14% to agricultural exports, underscoring their strategic role in the national economy and rural livelihoods. However, the sector faces escalating risks from climate change, biotic stresses, market volatility, and labor shortages. The 26th Plantation Crops Symposium (PLACROSYM XXVI) was organized at ICAR–CPCRI, Kasaragod, from 5–7 January 2026. The symposium convened scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders across seven technical sessions, four keynote addresses, and a high-level panel discussion titled “Plantation Crops Strategy for Viksit Bharat.” Deliberations identified critical research priorities, including the development of climate-resilient genotypes through marker-assisted selection, the scaling of tissue culture protocols, and the integration of AI and geospatial tools for precision agriculture. Keynote sessions highlighted the urgent need for government-backed regulatory mechanisms for biocontrol products and the potential of carbon trading within plantation ecosystems. A major policy recommendation emerged for establishing a unified institutional mechanism, such as a single Plantation Board, to foster inter-crop synergy and strategic branding. The symposium concluded that achieving the “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision requires a transition toward technology-driven, market-oriented, and carbon-smart production systems. Strategic focus must remain on mechanization to reduce drudgery, enhancement of farmer income through integrated multi-crop systems, and the exploration of high-value nutraceuticals. This roadmap serves as a blueprint for ensuring the long-term resilience and global competitiveness of India’s plantation sector.