The Agriculture Department will enhance the physical infrastructure of select Krishi Bhavans in the State so that they could become local procurement centres for agricultural products.
This was stated by Agriculture Minister K.P. Mohanan at the valedictory function of the four-day long Farmers’ Day celebrations and award ceremony at the Beach Marine Grounds here on Tuesday. Mr. Mohanan said 100 Krishi Bhavans across the State would be so upgraded in the first phase by January next. As many as 400 Krishi Bhavans will be improved in the next stage,” he said.
He said the new Krishi Bhavans would directly procure agricultural products and fruits from farmers from their respective localities.
Clusters of potential farmers to ensure the production flow would be formed in different areas.
Mr. Mohanan, who announced that the prize money for the best performance awards by the department in different categories would be enhanced from next year, said the sum for the best float in the cultural procession as part of the celebration would be increased from Rs. Rs.10,000 to Rs.25,000, among other categories. He also announced that the Farmers Day celebrations and the áward ceremony would be held in Kannur next year.
Expressing satisfaction at the ‘overwhelming response’ from Kozhikode for the Farmers’ Day celebrations, the Minister said the celebrations were taken to Malabar region for the first time with the purpose of kindling a new vigour and enthusiasm among the people here towards farming and other agricultural activities.
“Through different programmes and initiatives, the State is marching towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in agriculture production by the year 2016,” he said.
Mr. Mohanan also gave away the State farm awards in different categories on the occasion. Minister for Panchayat and Social Justice M.K. Muneer inaugurated the valedictory function.
MLA A. Pradeepkumar presided. K.. Dasan, MLA, and director of agriculture R. Ajith Kumar, among others, spoke.
