Goa, April 12 -- In a major boost to traditional occupations and rural self-employment, the Agriculture Department has revived the lost livelihood of coconut pluckers in Sanguem taluka through skill development and free access to modern equipment.

Led by Zonal Agricultural Officer (ZAO) Agresh Shirodkar, a 7-day training program titled Friends of Coconut Tree (FOCT) was recently held to train individuals-many of whom had previously left the profession-on modern coconut harvesting techniques. Participants were provided free climbing machines to help them compete with migrant workers who have dominated the trade in recent years.

"Under this scheme, participants undergo 8 to 10 days of hands-on training, including practical climbing sessio...