Eluru district will host a two-day State-level Cocoa Conclave–2026 on January 30 and 31, 2026, with the objective of promoting expansion, development, and value addition of cocoa cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, District Horticulture Officer Saja Naik said on Tuesday (January 27).
In a press release, the officer said that the conclave will begin at 9 a.m. on January 30 at Balaji Gardens Function Hall on Chintalapudi Road in Eluru and will continue till January 31.
The conclave will feature extensive discussions on key issues related to cocoa farming, including expansion of cocoa cultivation, quality standards, processing and value addition, stakeholder participation in cocoa development, expert guidance for farmers, adoption of modern cultivation practices and advanced technologies, improving productivity and quality, and establishing international marketing linkages.
The event will be attended by directors and heads of national-level institutions under the Horticulture Department, along with representatives from leading research and development organisations such as the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development (DCCD), National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management–Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), CAMPCO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Dr YSR Horticultural University (YSRHU), and Centres of Excellence (CoE). Representatives of prominent nationalised banks are also expected to participate.
Cocoa farmers, progressive growers, and investors in cocoa processing units will take part in the State-level conclave. Mr. Saja Naik appealed to cocoa farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to actively participate and make the conclave a success.
Published – January 27, 2026 06:55 pm IST
