Kerala Budget: Government Sets Aside Rs 879 Crore to Empower Farmers

The government has set aside Rs 879 crore to empower farmers, giving a huge boost to the agriculture industry. The plans include the construction of a value-added agricultural mission, infrastructure development, promotion of mechanised farming and startups, and the formation of a marketing firm.

The budget proposes establishing a Value-added Agriculture Mission to boost the state's domestic agricultural production. Five working groups will be formed as part of this to develop strategies. The working groups will devise schemes and a comprehensive plan.

To enhance value-added farming, seven Agritech facility centres will be created in seven regions. The agriculture department will possess 5 to 10 acres of land where these centres would be built. Farmers' cooperatives will be given control of these centres.

Farmers and farming initiatives will receive services on a no-profit, no-loss basis. These centres will provide packing services, such as tetra packaging for specific value-added items, as well as examination and certification instruments. The government has set allocated Rs 175 crore for these service centres as financial assistance. The government intends to build more processing and value-adding facilities for agricultural resources.

KIIFB has budgeted Rs 100 crore for the establishment of ten Mini Food Parks with the capacity to develop and market Kerala's indigenous products.

With the collaboration of industrial and commercial entrepreneurs, including expatriates, a marketing organization modeled after CIAL with a capital of Rs 100 crore will be developed to improve the marketing of value-added agricultural products. A total of Rs 20 crore has been set aside.

Rubber growers would receive a subsidy of Rs 500 crore, according to the finance minister. Given the current state of the rubber industry, actions will be taken to raise the price, production, and consumption of rubber at the same time.

In Farmers' Favour:

• Agri-business industry will receive Rs 879 crore

• Rubber subsidy: Rs 500 crore

• Rs 175 crore for a packing plant for farmers' products

• Rs 100 crore for ten mini food parks

• 50 crores for rubberized roads

• Rs 25 crore in support from agri-self-help groups

• Rs 20 crore for agri-marketing firm

• KAMCO receives a five-crore subsidy.

• Farm visits to learn about excellent practices in other countries: 2 crore rupees

• Tapioca-based ethanol costs Rs 2 crore.