As part of efforts to tackle the crisis faced by the state’s plantation industry, Kerala Agricultural University organised a one-day workshop at its Vellanikkara campus on Friday on the topic ‘Plantation Sector in Kerala – The Way Forward’.
Vice-Chancellor B. Ashok presided over the workshop. He emphasised the importance of considering the criteria for a green economy while exploring how diversification can be effectively implemented in the plantation sector.
The Principal Secretary of the Department of Industries A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, delivered a special lecture during the workshop. He highlighted that Kerala’s plantation sector is going through a severe crisis, pointing out issues such as soil degradation, problems arising from continuous monoculture farming, rising production costs, and the inability to find alternative sources of income.
He recommended the possibility of ‘niche marketing’ for products from plantations. Moreover, he stressed that any reforms in the plantation sector should take into account the welfare of the workers in the sector.
Following the establishment of the Plantation Directorate in the state, the IIM Kozhikode was tasked to conduct a study on the diversification and modernisation of plantations and recommend necessary changes. The report from this study, which suggests comprehensive reforms for Kerala’s plantation sector, was discussed in detail during the workshop.
The workshop also discussed the rights of farmers to choose their crops when implementing diversification, the importance of maintaining ecological balance, and the use of 5% of land allocated for other purposes, including the potential for eco-tourism.
Furthermore, legal issues affecting the sector were discussed by Assistant Conservator of Forests Surjit M.K., while Dr. P. Indiradevi, Emeritus Professor at Kerala Agricultural University, spoke about the economic aspects of the plantation sector. Dr. Kunhamu E.K., Dean of Forestry College, provided insights on environmental issues.
The workshop also included various focus group discussions related to the report, with the participation of plantation owners, farmers, trade association representatives and scientists.
Published – December 13, 2024 08:34 pm IST