In the context of Kerala's agricultural sector, an increase in vegetable production has been reported by the Agriculture Department, yet this surge has not resulted in a decrease in market prices for local vegetables, affecting consumer affordability. The state has seen a boost in vegetable cultivation through the use of fallow lands and terraces. To address the pricing and accessibility issues, the government is advised to launch state-level vegetable production projects.
Agriculture Minister P Prasad recently disclosed plans to initiate a new project on January 1, aimed at enhancing vegetable production through collaboration with local self-government bodies. Government data for the fiscal year 2023-24 shows production of 17.21 lakh tons of vegetables from 1.15 lakh hectares, against a demand of 20-21 lakh tons, revealing a deficit of approximately 5 lakh tons. Despite local production, the reliance on neighboring states for the bulk of vegetable supplies persists, with prices escalating significantly from farm to retail due to the high margins taken by intermediaries.
Although the Agriculture Department has undertaken initiatives like the 'Onathinu Orumuram Pachakkari' to promote vegetable farming on unused land, a comprehensive state-level project with explicit yield goals is lacking. The forthcoming 'NAWO-DHAN' project aims to extend vegetable cultivation to an additional 50,000 hectares of fallow land, employing hybrid seeds and modern farming techniques to enhance yield. This approach is critical for a state like Kerala, where arable land is limited.
Government intervention in the vegetable market is primarily through Horticorp centers, which offer prices lower than those in public markets, yet many consumers opt for private vendors. To ensure vegetables are available at reasonable prices in private outlets, Kerala must lessen its dependency on imports and eliminate the role of middlemen. The Agriculture Department's new projects are a step towards making Kerala self-sufficient in vegetable production.
Source: Kaumudi Online