Networking of farmers for marketing of fruits and vegetables

Thiruvananthapuram: The Government is considering strengthening of networking among farmers in an AMUL like model to ensure proper marketing of vegetables and fruit products of Kerala farmers, Agriculture Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar told the Assembly on Tuesday.

The Minister said that this would ensure uniformity in fertilizers, seeds and other inputs used in farming and ensure quality. It would also ensure fair price to farmers and minimise third party mediation.

Replying to a question from K. Krishnankutty (JDS), Mr. Sunil Kumar said a joint meeting in coordination with local self-governments, cooperatives and Agricultural Departments along with Kudumbasree officials would be convened to frame organic farming policy and discuss the problems of farmers and issues related to storage and marketing.

The Government intends to increase paddy farming in coming years to three lakh hectares, the Agricultural Minister said. The Government also intends to increase the land under paddy in a phased manner by 2600 hectare this year. A mapping of cultivable land will be made and steps to distribute quality  seeds to farmers will be taken. Good agricultural practices will be widely promoted across the State. Strict measure to control use and sale of banned pesticides will be implemented. Laboratories to test vegetables and fruits for pesticide content will be implemented across the State in all districts, the Minister informed the House in response to a question raised by R. Ramachandran (CPI).  Special package will be planned in Kannan Devan plantation village including the employees there.