THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major relief to the vegetable farmers ahead of Onam, the Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation (Horticorp) will clear the long-pending arrears of farmers across the state before Onam.
A meeting of Horticorp officials with representatives of farmers’ bodies and societies from across the state here on Thursday decided to ensure maximum procurement of vegetables from farmers in Vattavada, Kanthalloor and Wayanad regions.
Speaking to ‘Express’, Horticorp chairman Lal Kalpakavadi said arrears to the tune of close of Rs 30 lakh were pending which would be cleared before Onam.
“There were some complaints about delay in payments. It was decided that farmers will be given payment within three days of procurement. We have decided to ensure maximum procurement from farmers, considering the major increase in production this year. Priority will be given to farmers in Vattavada, Kanthalloor and Wayanad areas while procuring vegetables.
Horticorp will ensure maximum procurement from Kerala. Only if some vegetables are not available here will the procurement from Tamil Nadu be done. Already about 560 Horticorp stalls are open across the state. The district units have been directed to increase procurement from farmers in view of the Onam season,” he said.
Considering the issue of damaged vegetables, the meeting decided to issue receipts to the farmers immediately on purchasing at the counter. About 35 societies and farmers’ organisations were present at the meeting.