NEED FOR SELF SUFFICIENCY IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

NEED FOR SELF SUFFICIENCY IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said  on Monday,6^th May,2012, that it is a pity that Kerala has to depend on other States for vegetables. In his address after launching the Vegetable Initiative for Peri Urban Clusters at the Ernakulam Maharajas College here, Mr. Chandy said that Malayalis had won appreciation for their hard work and commitment while pursuing various jobs abroad. “But we are not able to reciprocate those traits in our State,” he said. Stating that Kerala also depends on other States for poultry and milk, the Chief Minister said that the State should become self-sufficient in production of vegetables. The Union government is supportive of the various schemes proposed by the State to boost internal production, he said.

Mr. Chandy said that the vegetable initiative for peri urban clusters will help in producing pesticide-free vegetables in the State. “We should take up this project as a challenge and deliver results,” he said. Several organisations in the city, including the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) and the District Agri-Horticulture Mission are part of the new drive to spread the cultivation of vegetables on terraces. The government had sanctioned Rs. 2 crore towards the first phase of the programme, which aims to help 12,500 families set up terrace gardens. A total of 2, 50,000 seedlings will be distributed. In the second phase, one lakh families will be brought under the programme. The programme is being financially backed by the national-level Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Specially designed UV stabilised bags have been chosen for growing vegetables on terrace gardens. The bags, with planted seedlings, will be reached to the homes of the beneficiaries.

The chosen families will be given a 50 per cent subsidy. A single unit will be allowed in each of the homes. The subsidy is being met by the State Horticultural Mission. The district administration, Better Kochi Response Group, Ernakulam District Residents' Association Apex Council and Residents' Apex Council Ernakulam are among the others involved in launching the new drive. The programme organisers said a handbook on cultivation of vegetables, prepared by the Horticultural Mission, will be distributed free of cost. Besides, selected members of residents' associations will be given training in vegetable cultivation. Respective agricultural officers and specially trained volunteers will help out in making the programme a success. Those wishing to get a vegetable garden unit on their terrace tops should submit their applications to their respective residents' associations along with the payment of Rs. 800 towards the subsidised cost of the unit. For details contact: Agri-Horti Culture Society: 0484-2362738; Better Kochi Response Group: 9895404108.

                               Prof. John Kurakar