A Global Pravasi Convention held in Kozhikode on Saturday discussed the possibilities of exploring organic farming as a profession for Gulf returnees.
Talks are on with the State government for a forum of expatriates to procure four acres of land at Vengeri in Kozhikode, which could be used for organic farming. Minister for Social Justice and Panchayats M.K. Muneer inaugurated the Pravasi Krishi Vikasana Kendram, a centre floated by the expatriates to promote organic farming.
The plan is to attract expatriates into agriculture, which will also be a rehabilitation programme for interested former expatriates. The programme also aims at promoting the ‘Jaiva Keralam’ project of the State government.
Education has been cited as another sector where the former expatriates could be rehabilitated. State Chairman of the Pravasi Council P.A. Hamsa in his presidential address said that one of the aims of the convention was to help design educational programmes in view of the job opportunities in foreign countries, especially in the Middle East.
The Global Excellence Award was presented to M. Abdul Latheef and E. Shamsudheen on the occasion. Dr. Abdul Latheef is known to have developed the Homoeo Agro Care, a ‘nano medicine’ to help organic farming while Mr. Shamsudheen owns the Bharat Education Foundation that is known for its skill based courses.
Former chief consultant of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) V.K.S. Menon, in his keynote address at the function, pointed out various steps that could be taken for proper rehabilitation of former expatriates.
