The Agriculture Department's initiative to establish 'Krishikootams' or farm groups is set to revolutionize the agriculture industry in India. The department will officially launch the operations of 1,200 Krishikootams on Tuesday under its newly established Value-Added Agriculture Mission (VAAM).
This includes 1,000 value-added groups and 200 mechanized groups that will focus on farm-related services. The Agriculture Department came up with the idea of forming dedicated farm groups that would work together to increase production, procurement, processing, value-addition, and marketing of vegetables, fruits, and tubers. The establishment of these groups is expected to significantly boost the agriculture sector in the state.
The department launched the 'Njangalum Krishiyilekku' campaign last year to promote agriculture as a family activity and localized production of safe-to-eat food. The campaign aimed to create awareness among the people about the importance of farming and to encourage them to take up farming as a profession. The Krishikootams emerged as a result of this campaign, and the response has been overwhelming. The department received over 25,000 applications for the program, surpassing their initial target of 10,000 Krishikootams.
The farm groups have been divided into three categories based on their focus areas. The first two groups will focus on production and value-addition, while the third group will provide farm-related services such as machinery. This division will ensure that each group can work on specific areas and deliver better results. The groups will work together to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of the produce.
On May 16, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally launch the 1,200 Krishikootams in Perinthalmanna. The launch is part of the Left Democratic Front government's third 100-day action plan. The event will also include seminars and an exhibition. The launch is expected to provide a platform for farmers to showcase their products, learn about new techniques, and network with industry experts.
The establishment of Krishikootams is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture practices in the state. It will create opportunities for small farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods. The Krishikootams will also help in the development of rural areas and promote the local economy.
The success of this program will depend on the involvement and participation of the farmers. It is hoped that the Krishikootams will create a sense of community among the farmers and encourage them to work towards a common goal.
