Keralam’s Agriculture dept. to step up market intervention during festival seasons, says Minister
Market interventions to prevent artificial price rise and curb the exploitation of farmers and consumers by middlemen during festival seasons and the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, says T. Siddique
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique announced that Kerala's Agriculture department plans to intensify market interventions during festival seasons and the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. This move aims to prevent artificial price hikes and protect farmers and consumers from middlemen exploitation. Speaking at a media briefing in Kozhikode, Mr. Siddique highlighted the success of the Onasamrudhi farmers' markets, which have enabled efficient marketing of agricultural products through a digital platform.
The Kathir app also played a crucial role in streamlining the process. Out of the ₹3.09 lakh pending payment to 202 farmers due to technical glitches, the Minister assured that the amount would be credited within a week.
Under the farmer market model, over two lakh tonnes of agricultural produce were distributed to 2,94,785 consumers, benefiting 14,212 farmers. Vegetables valued at ₹14.25 crore were supplied to these consumers. As part of World Coconut Day, the State government will host Keralolsavam at Vazhuthacaud in Thiruvananthapuram on September 2.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the event. A stakeholders' meeting will be held to discuss a comprehensive coconut revival project, with the goal of restoring Kerala's status as a leading coconut-producing State. The Minister also mentioned ongoing discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan regarding various agricultural initiatives, including a coconut park project in Kuttiady, Kozhikode. Further steps will be taken to implement these proposals.
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