Kerala Agriculture Department has come up with an initiative to support the Gulf returnees and others who have lost their jobs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The department has declared special assistance to those who are willing to take up agri-based start-ups and other product manufacturing or marketing initiatives.
The Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture has lent a hand to foster agripreneur and ecosystem in Kerala so as to ensure effective implementation in the district. The main aim of the project is to facilitate new and innovative agri-business projects through SFAC’s project development facility and Venture Capital Assistance schemes.
Those interested can register the names on the official portal — www.sfackerala.org
Farmers’ groups can also make use of the support scheme to start novel agri-ventures. According to the reports, the Agriculture Department will help in the processing of agricultural loans, training support and clearance of all eligible financial assistance on fast-track. Priority will be given to youths who recently returned from abroad and are struggling to find an alternative job for survival.
The Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) too has joined the efforts to offer cost-effective farming projects to individuals. ‘Jaivagriham’ (organic home) is one such project where a farmer can claim a subsidy up to ₹50,000 for undertaking mixed farming in his own land or leased property.
The benefits of newly announced schemes will be available for all entrepreneurs who have registered their names with the Kerala Startup Mission.
A helpline — 18004251661 — has been launched to extend support for those who wish to join the scheme.
