17 Cooperative Banks Collaborate for Farming Venture in Kalamassery, Inspired by Palliyakkal Model

The farming initiative aims to cultivate all available land in the Kalamassery Assembly constituency, boosting agricultural operations with the support of farmer self-help groups and cooperative institutions.

The program's ultimate goal is to increase agricultural productivity and revenue generation in the region. Shan A.C., president of Palliyakkal Cooperative Bank, said that the cooperative banks would carry out all basic tasks in the constituency, while the three-tiered local governments and the Department of Agriculture would provide support mechanisms.

The bank plans to prepare 250 acres for farming activities, including vegetable and fruit production, dairying, poultry keeping, and aquaculture. In addition, the bank plans to plant pokkali rice on 250 acres this season, which will be sold under the trademark 'Kaithakam.' The Palliyakkal Service Cooperative Bank has been engaged in farming activities for 23 years and has a strong record of success.

The bank is home to 28 self-help groups engaged in operations ranging from paddy agriculture to vegetable gardening. It has also established a rice mill solely for grinding paddy obtained from pokkali farms within its operational area.

The bank's dairy operations have resulted in the sale of around 700 litres of fresh milk each day, and dairy farmers are paid a high price of 55 cents per litre. The bank has also set up over a hundred cages for fish culture and cultivated 40 acres of vegetables under its guidance and funding.

Other cooperative banks in Okkal near Perumbavoor, Varapetty in Kothamangalam, Korampadam near Paravur, and adjacent Vadakkekara are following the lead of the Palliyakkal Service Cooperative Bank.

The 'Krishikkoppam Kalamassery' initiative is expected to create a model for cooperative farming in Kerala and has the potential to transform agricultural practices in the region. By promoting farmer self-help groups and cooperative institutions, the program aims to increase agricultural productivity and revenue generation, thereby improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers in the region.