Govt. plans wheels for farmers’ weal

550 Krishi Bhavans in to get two-wheelers in first phase

The State department of agriculture has sanctioned the allocation of 550 two-wheelers to agricultural offices across Kerala.

The Directorate of Agriculture plans to cover the more than 1,000 Krishi Bhavans across Kerala in two phases.

The first phase will see allocation of 550 two-wheelers, covering Kollam, Palakkad, Wayanad and Kannur districts where Leads (Lead Farmer-centred Extension Advisory and Delivery Services) programme is being implemented on a pilot basis.

The aim of the move is to strengthen the extension services in Krishi Bhavan; to ensure effective utilisation of time and activities of extension staff; to see that timely attention is paid to field problems and that remedial measures are taken through improved mobility, effective implementation and supervision of plan schemes, said the office order.

“The move to allot two-wheelers to agricultural officers is a welcome move. It should have come much earlier”, said Kerala Agricultural University’s director of extension, P. V. Balachandran, on Monday. He said that at present the farm officers are helpless if they get a call from a farmer to visit his or her fields. The officer has to depend on public transport or make personal arrangements.

The four LEADS districts will get 288 two-wheelers, which are expected to be distributed before the end of the current financial year. The rest will be distributed in other districts. The agricultural officers will also get a fuel allowance of Rs. 550 a month.