Second land reforms, Kerala Brand, AI wildlife defence on cards, announces CM Satheesan
Kochi, Aug 17 (IANS) Kerala will launch the second phase of land reforms and bring in timely amendments to existing land laws, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced on Monday, unveiling a series of major policy initiatives ranging from a new Kerala Brand for agricultural products to an AI-based system to prevent wildlife attacks and a phased increase in the rubber support price to Rs 300 per kg.
Addressing the state-level Farmers’ Day celebrations and state Farmers’ Awards function at Kalamassery, Satheesan said the proposed land-law changes would seek to revive plantations that had remained closed for years while creating new economic opportunities without compromising environmental safeguards.
The government plans to give greater value addition to agricultural produce and take it to national and international markets under the Kerala Brand.
Multi-crop farming involving high-value crops such as avocado and rambutan would also be expanded as part of the strategy to increase farm incomes.
The Chief Minister said the full-scale commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Port would provide a major boost to exports of Kerala’s agricultural products and spices by making transportation faster and cheaper.
More warehouses would be established to allow farmers to store their produce and sell it when market prices are favourable.
In another major initiative, the government has earmarked Rs 200 crore to tackle the growing problem of man-animal conflict in the state’s hilly regions.
Satheesan said a comprehensive system integrating Artificial Intelligence and other modern technologies with existing mechanisms would be implemented to prevent wildlife attacks and protect farmers.
Rubber farmers were also promised further relief. Satheesan said the government would gradually raise the rubber support price to Rs 300 per kg.
The support price has already been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kg, he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that compensation for crop losses caused by climate change and natural calamities had been increased by 25 per cent, with further improvements being considered.
He said the government had cleared outstanding payments due to paddy farmers within two months of assuming office and sanctioned the required funds despite the financial crisis.
A permanent mechanism would be introduced to ensure timely payment to farmers whenever paddy is procured in the future, he added.
Satheesan said climate change had disrupted Kerala’s agricultural calendar, with farmers among its first victims, and assured that the government would adopt a supportive approach towards them.
–IANS
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