THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vegetable production in the state has increased from 6.5 lakh tonnes in 2016 and crossed 9.5 lakh metric tonnes within two years, said Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar.
This was made possible after the government facilitated vegetable farming in more than 50,000 hectares, he said. The minister was inaugurating the technology meet organised by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at Nedumangad on Friday. Sunil Kumar said the government has been implementing projects with the aim of avoiding middlemen so that the farmers can directly avail of the benefits.
The pension of agricultural labourers would soon be delivered to them, he added.In connection with the meet, seminars, agricultural procession, flower show etc were also held. MLAs C Divakaran, D K Murali and K Ansalan were present among others.
1,108 markets for Vishu
The Agriculture Department will run 1,108 vegetable outlets in connection with Vishu from April 12. The vegetables will be procured from farmers at 10 percent higher rate and will be sold at 30 percent less than the open market prices.