: Minister for Cooperation C.N. Balakrishnan has called for an introspection on the reasons for decline of agriculture in the state.
Inaugurating a two-day state-level seminar on emerging trends in cashew farming organised by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development (DCCD) at Madakkathara, the minister said regaining agricultural glory will be possible only if Keralites shed lazy lifestyle and affinity to junk food.
“It is pointed out that Kerala, which enjoyed a prominent position in cashew production has dropped to fourth position. Cashew factory workers are struggling for survival. Cashew market is thriving, but our production has come down. It is not the lack of research, but the general neglect towards farming that has led to this state. Let's go back to traditional crops and traditional cuisine, it will only help us, the Minister said. Minister also mooted a ban on strike in primary sectors so as to promote production.
M.P. Vincent, MLA, in his presidential address exhorted farming community to adopt and practice research findings of the KAU.
The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions on different aspects of cashew farming, post-harvest processing and value addition. The topics discussed included scientific farming practices, production of enzymes from cashew kernel, role of horticulture mission in cashew development, entrepreneurship development in cashew processing, pest and disease management of cashew, high yielding cashew varieties, organic farming practices in cashew, relevance of marketing techniques and practical lessons in cashew apple processing. The seminar will conclude on Sunday.
It is not the lack of research, but the general neglect towards farming that has led to the decline in cashew production in the State, says
C.N. Balakrishnan
