Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Centre of coming up with policies detrimental to the interests of farmers in Kerala.
Addressing a consultation with representatives of farmers’ organisations here on Wednesday, he stressed the need to focus on value addition and marketing of agriculture produce to ensure remunerative price for farmers.
“Though Kerala has registered significant progress in paddy farming and horticulture, many of the policies of the Centre have proved to be a setback for cash crop farmers in the State,” he said. Mr. Vijayan called for branding of domestic agricultural produce to benefit farmers.
Highlighting the need for better coordination to address the problems in the farm sector, Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar said the government would convene a meeting with Ministers and officials of the Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, Cooperation, Revenue and Finance Departments.
He said ₹198 crore would be released soon to clear the dues to farmers on paddy procurement.
Draft policy
The Minister told the meeting that the welfare board for farmers would be set up soon. A draft policy to promote domestic agricultural produce was on the anvil and the government was stepping up pressure on the Centre to promote cash crop cultivation in the State.
He said many Krishi Bhavans had set up agricultural task forces and plant health clinics to help farmers.
Ten lakh farmers were expected to participate in the ward-level agricultural grama sabhas planned for June.
A 10-year mission programme would be taken up to improve coconut cultivation.
The Vengeri market would be developed as a manufacturing hub for coconut-based products and the first coconut park would be established at Perambra.
The Chief Minister assured the farmers’ representatives that their issues would be examined and addressed.
