India: State intervention keeps veg prices low for festival

The state of Kerala's government intervened in the market in time for Onam, the biggest festival cel…

The state of Kerala's government intervened in the market in time for Onam, the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala, to prevent vegetable prices from rising. The state also has plans to become self-reliant in vegetable production within three years.

Horticorp Managing Director Ranjan S. Karippai says while not the only reason, the Corporation’s intervention in the market has helped to keep prices down. “It was decided to procure all produce grown within the State, and ensure a fair price to farmers so that they do not move away from agriculture. This will also benefit consumers.”

Besides a 30 per cent subsidy on produce only for Onam, price support in the market was extended to vegetables such as onions, greens, big lime, and ginger. “When there is proper procurement and adequate produce is available, prices will not go up,” he says.

Similarly, efforts to get farmers growing cool climes vegetables in Idukki to sell their produce to Horticorp directly, succeeded this Onam.

In the months to come, Horticorp will focus on promoting cultivation, not just commercially but also with the aim of self-reliance. There are also plans to go in for micro-level production plans.

“Horticorp will hold a workshop in October to draw up a crop production plan for the State,” Mr. Karippai says.

According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the government is committed to making the State self-reliant in vegetable production,

He said the action plan to promote horticulture would focus on improving output and commercialising production. The marketing and supply chain network would be strengthened to match the demand and absorb excess production. He stressed the need to promote homestead cultivation of vegetables.

Mr. Vijayan also released the logo of Farm Fresh Kerala, the brand promoted by the government for safe-to-eat vegetables sold through the Onasamruddhi network.

Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar said Kerala was expected to become self-reliant in vegetable production in three years. He said efforts were ongoing to enlarge the network of eco-shops to 200 outlets.