1,200 ‘Krishikootams’ Set to Launch on May 16 to Boost Agriculture

The Agriculture Department is set to launch "Krishikootams" or farm groups as part of its initiative to boost the agriculture sector.

On Tuesday, May 16, the newly formed 'Value-Added Agriculture Mission' (VAAM) department will launch 1,200 ‘Krishikootams’ consisting of 1,000 value-addition-oriented groups and 200 mechanized ones for farm-related services. Additionally, the department will officially announce the successful registration of 20,000 ‘Krishikootams’ at the panchayat level.

The Agriculture Department came up with a plan to establish farm groups that work together to enhance the production, procurement, processing, value-addition, and marketing of vegetables, fruits, and tubers. These groups, known as "krishikootams," were developed from the department's previous "Njangalum Krishiyilekku" campaign, which aimed to encourage agriculture as a household activity and localized production of safe-to-consume food.

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Agriculture Minister P. Prasad stated that when the department launched ‘Njangalum Krishiyilekku,’ they aimed to ensure that it did not fade away like other campaigns. They trained resource persons and involved experts from allied sectors such as animal husbandry and fisheries, as the focus was on integrated farming. Although they initially planned for 10,000 Krishikootams, they received an overwhelming response with over 25,000 applicants.

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To avoid the risk of all farmer groups concentrating on one area, they have been divided into three groups. The first and second groups focus on production and value addition, while the third group provides farm-related services such as machinery.

On May 16th, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate 1,200 groups in Perinthalmanna, as part of the third 100-day plan of the Left Democratic Front government. The event will also include seminars, and an exhibition, and will be presided over by Mr. Prasad.

-The Hindu 

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