Kochi, Aug 25 (IANS): Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada city will be host the World Coconut Day 2015 on September 2 with the theme "Coconut for Family Nutrition, Health and Wellness", an official release said on Tuesday.

The release by the Coconut Development Board (CDB) said September 2 has been designated Coconut Day by the Jakarta-headquartered Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), an intergovernmental organisation of 18 countries mandated to promote, coordinate and harmonize coconut developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region to achieve maximum economic development.

All major coconut-growing countries including India are members of APCC, whose foundation day is also on September 2.

The release said the celebration is aimed at creating awareness about the importance of coconut and its potential in alleviating poverty, encouraging investments and promoting the development of coconut industry in the member countries.

Around 500 farmers from all coconut growing states are expected to attend the function and would be a platform for the farmers to get firsthand knowledge about the new initiatives of the CDB.

An exhibition showcasing latest technologies in coconut sector and various value added coconut products including Neera.

The inaugural session will be followed by a technical session which will be attended by the who's who of the industry.

As per the statistics of union agriculture ministry's horticulture division for coconut production for the year 2013-14, the state of Andhra Pradesh occupies the first position in productivity (14,997 nuts/ha) though in fourth position both in area (1,21,920 ha) and production (1828.46 million nuts) among the coconut-growing southern states in India.