The State policy on agricultural development released here on Tuesday proposes a benefit-sharing mechanism under which small and marginal farmers are assured of a share of the profits from the sale of value-added products based on their crops.
The drafting committee, headed by K. Krishnankutty, former MLA, has recommended the introduction of an Actio Apportum (avakasa laabham) concept for assuring farmers of a legal demand of right for sharing the profit generated out of farm produce when it is traded. Estimating that over 40 lakh tonnes of rice is being sold in Kerala every year, if the State could take away one rupee of rice under Actio Apportum , the government could mobilise Rs.350 crore to Rs.400 crore, says the policy document. Every farmer who has sold his produce to the State will be eligible to get Rs.5 per kg of paddy as avakasa laabham. A farmer who sells three tonnes of rice can earn Rs.15,000 as avakasa laabham from the Department of Agriculture for every crop season, leaving him with more money to invest in farming. Similar schemes could be worked out for rubber and other crops as well as milk, the document adds.
Income guarantee
The committee has also mooted an income guarantee scheme for farmers to assure farmers of a dignified life with an income to meet all basic living expenses. It proposes an Act to implement the programme.
