The Coconut Development Board on Wednesday launched an ambitious programme in Kerala to train youths in coconut tree climbing in a bid to address the acute shortage of coconut tree climbers in the state. The programme, being implemented in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, envisages training 5000 youths. The six day long training programme began in all districts in the state, with the first batch comprising 20 each. The youths known as Friends of Coconut Tree, will be trained in climbing using coconut tree climbing machines, besides cleaning tree tops and scientific application of insecticides and artificial pollination. They will be able to earn up to 600 rupees a day after the training. The Coconut Development Board will provide them with two wheelers at subsidised rates and a mobile phone. It has also plans to introduce pension and provident fund schemes for the youth.