In order to increase farmers’ income and boost productivity, the Kerala government on Wednesday decided to set up an ambitious mission in the agriculture sector. The decision to start the ‘Value Added Agriculture Mission’ was taken during the state Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, according to statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The statement further said the decision was taken to increase agricultural productivity, farmers’ income, product storage, product prices, revenue from value addition activities as well as other related incomes.
The Kerala government has set aside Rs 879 crore to empower farmers. The Value-Added Agriculture Mission also includes building infrastructure, promoting mechanized farming and startups, and formation of a marketing firm. The scheme proposes to increase the state’s domestic production from agricultural resources. Under this scheme, five groups will be constituted to formulate strategies. These groups will work on issues and ideas to formulate an integrated scheme.
Seven Agritech facility centres will be established in seven districts which will be handed over to farmer collectives.
Packing facilities including tetra packing of special value-added products, tools for examination and certification of products will be made available through these centres which will work on no-profit no-loss basis. Rs 175 crore has been set aside by the government as financial assistance for these centres.
The marketing of these value-added products will be done through a company based on the model of CIAL with the co-operation of industrial and commercial entrepreneurs including expatriates, for which Rs 100 crores have been allocated by the government. Considering the crisis in the rubber sector, the Finance Minister also allocated a subsidy of Rs 500 crore for the rubber farmers.
In addition to that other amenities like 10 mini food parks (worth Rs 10 crore), rubberized roads, support for agri self-help groups, and farm visits abroad to study best farming practices will also be provided to the farmers.
