CDB Institute of Technology (CIT) set up at South Vazhakulam, Aluva provides technical support and efficient technologies in Coconut processing for integrated development of coconut industry in the country. CIT has been set up with a vision to be a centre of excellence for coconut processing sector which integrates all facets of technology, entrepreneurship and quality management. CIT has a mandate to be recognized as a focal point for catalyzing the growth of post-harvest coconut processing sector especially the small and medium scale sector. CIT offers various services and training programmes to Cooperative farmer producer organizations, Self Help Groups, women groups, private entrepreneurs and students.

Coconut Development Board Institute of Technology (CIT) Keenpuram South Vazhakulam, Aluva , Ernakulam. Pin-683 105 Phone: 0484-2679680 , Email: cit-aluva(at)coconutboard(dot)gov(dot)in

Services offered by CDB Institute of Technology (CIT)

•  Technology research and development, training and process demonstration of value added coconut products
•  Quality testing services for chemical and microbial analysis of coconut and other food products.
•  Production of value added Coconut products.
•   Technology transfer of Coconut based products.
•  Providing incubation facility on need basis to entrepreneurs/stakeholders.
•  Project related consultancy services for setting up of coconut products processing units.
•  Offering facility for project works to Under Graduate and Post Graduate students of the streams MSc, BSc, B Tech and M Tech in Food Technology/ Food Engineering/ Bio-technology/Chemistry/Microbiology etc. in product development, quality assurance etc.

Technology Demonstration and Technology Transfer Training Programmes

India is endowed with excellent resources for promoting Coconut based industries especially in farm level processing. The potential in this has not been tapped to the fullest extent. Post-harvest losses due to quality deterioration in storage, poor handling techniques and inefficient processing, lack of attention to quality and hygiene and poor packaging techniques are some of the factors hindering the development of coconut based industries.

In order to address these issues, the Board imparts training cum demonstration programs in coconut processing for self-help groups, farmer groups, NGOs, Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperative societies and individual entrepreneurs/stakeholders for upgrading their entrepreneurship development skills for optimum utilization of resources, adopting efficient processing techniques, usage of cost effective packaging systems, application of food safety management systems and maintaining desired product quality standards. The major objectives of the training program are:

•  to focus attention on the potential for coconut convenience foods and range of product recipes,
•  to familiarize the participants about quality control operations and quality management systems being followed in food processing industries,
•  to provide information on various packaging systems for preservation of coconut convenience foods and
•  to impart training skills, entrepreneurial development, leadership qualities and providing marketing tips.

A well-equipped training centre is functioning at CIT for demonstration of coconut value added products.Training programs mainly include hands on training wherein the participants will gain in-depth knowledge on the product preparation.

Technology transfer training programs are also being conducted at CIT pilot plant for entrepreneurs who adopt technologies of coconut products from CIT.

Quality Testing Plant

The Quality testing laboratory located at South Vazhakulam, Aluva is accredited by NABL in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in the disciplines of chemical and biological testing. The laboratory is equipped with advanced analytical instruments and facilities to carry out chemical and microbiological analysis of coconut based products & other food products.

Samples of various coconut products like Coconut oil, Virgin coconut oil, Desiccated coconut, Oil cake, Copra, Coconut milk powder, Coconut milk, Tender and matured coconut water, Neera, Grated coconut, Coconut vinegar, other value added coconut products and drinking water are beinganalyzed for chemical and microbiological parameters.