Minister for Agriculture V.S. Sunil Kumar on Sunday visited R Block in Kuttanad and reviewed the work being carried out there under the aegis of the Agriculture Department with the aim of reviving farming.
The Minister inaugurated the newly installed vertical axial flow pumpsets for de-watering the R Block. Mr. Kumar said the government’s aim was to bring back the R Block to its glory days. “The R Block once attracted several tourists. Farming was also carried out in large tracts of land. Unfortunately, the land became barren due to disconnection of power supply and lack of de-watering facilities. The State government has worked two-and-a-half years to create basic facilities to revive farming here. We will install 24 pumpsets to pump out water from the area. In the first phase, 12 pumpsets will be made operational. They can operate even if submerged,” he said.
Produce to be branded
Mr. Kumar said the government would provide all help to farmers in the R Block. “We will provide equipment to farmers. The department is ready to distribute 25,000 coconut saplings. The government will brand and market agricultural produce cultivated in the R Block,” the Minister added.
The land has remained idle after the de-watering system failed several years ago. Now, the farmers are planning to relaunch cultivation of vegetables, coconut, plantains, and cocoa on 1,450 acres with the help of the government. Officials said that organic farming would be encouraged there. Farm tourism would also be given due consideration.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister blamed lack of rainfall for delay in germination of paddy seeds sown in the additional crop season. He said seeds had been distributed after ensuring their quality. Thomas Chandy, MLA, presided. Principal Agricultural Officer Latha G. Panicker, Agriculture Department assistant director J. Sajeev, and Kainakary grama panchayat president Sheela Sajeev were present.
