Kerala seeks Rs 600 cr funds from Centre to boost farm sector

NEW DELHI: Kerala Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan today called on Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and sought over Rs 600 crore funds to boost the farm sector in the state.

Mohanan submitted eight proposals seeking funds for improving irrigation infrastructure, development of ethnic fruit cultivation, promotion of high-yielding dwarf variety of coconut palms, farm mechanisation, rejuvenation of ponds among others.

"Kerala is on its way to achieve self sufficiency in agricultural produce. To achieve this objective, we need to expand area of cultivation in fallow land and irrigation facilities," Mohanan told PTI after the meeting.

Of the total funds, about Rs 250 crore has been sought for this purpose, Mohanan said in the representation made to the Union Agriculture Minister.

Faced with labour shortage, the minister has demanded funds to promote farm mechanisation and promotion of high-yielding dwarf variety of coconut palm.

The state government also asked the Centre to raise the farm assistance given for crop loss due to natural calamity.

It has sought funds for conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds.

The funding requirement for all of these is over Rs 600 crore.