The World Coconut Day (WCD) is observed every year on September 2 to enhance coconut farming with focus on productivity and product diversification.

• The day is also celebrated to commemorate the formation day of Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). In India, the day is celebrated every year under the aegis of Coconut Development Board (CDB) in various coconut growing states across the country.
• The 2022 theme is “Growing coconut for a better future and life”.

Recently, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched an ambitious flagship program – “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” for farmers under National Livestock Mission at Birnihat in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

• The objective of this scheme is to ensure that farmers earn a sustainable livelihood through various animal husbandry activities.
• Meghalaya receives 18,000 metric tonnes of pork from various states and there is acute shortage in supply and demand, the state is planning to bridge the supply shortfall through pig farming scheme.
• Under the Phase 1 of this scheme the government has earmarked Rs 15.18 crore, under which four high yielding improved varieties of pigs will be distributed to 6000 families and an additional Rs 25 crore will be earmarked for starting the second phase of the programme.

The Rajasthan cabinet has recently approved the “Rajasthan Handicrafts Policy-2022”. Through this policy, work will be done for the upliftment of handicrafts in the state and participation in the development of the state will be ensured by empowering them.

• With this policy, new employment opportunities will increase in the state. Along with this, the extinct handicrafts will be revived.
• Under this, a national level handicrafts week will be organized every year in December, in which handicraftsmen will be rewarded.
• At the same time, e-marketing, social security, loan facility, scholarship, assistance for participation in fairs, expansion of infrastructure facilities in Shilp Gram, Handicraft Park, Museum, Design Center, Sales Center for brand building of handicrafts.