A seminar, focusing on the development and sustainable growth of agriculture sector in Kerala, was held here on Wednesday. Titled ‘Agriwisdom’, the seminar was organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
Rubber Board chairperson Sheela Thomas said in her inaugural address that a resurgence is needed in the agriculture sector of the state.
“At present, the products of Agricultural University is not reaching the farmers of the state. What the university produces need to reach the hands of the farmers without any delay so that they will get quality products which will in turn increase the productivity,” she said.
Sheela further pointed out that more youngsters should be motivated to opt agriculture as a career. “Nowadays, those who study in Agriculture Universities are not getting directly involved in farming,” she added.
In his keynote address, former Kerala Agriculture University VC K R Viswambharan said the non-availability of land for cultivation is one of the biggest challenges faced by the farmers. “The government should take steps to make sure that the price for the land for agriculture purpose is fixed in a reasonable way. The policies of the government should be changed in this regard,” he said.
ICCI president Prakash James and ICICI Bank zonal head T V Narayanan also spoke. A motivational session was handled by Dynamic Results managing director Christopher C Doyle. Senior journalist Sreekumar Raghavan moderated a panel discussion on the topic - Kerala, a hub of agri products.