THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government, in association with the Centre, is planning a scheme for direct procurement of agriculture produce from farmers, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
“I’d mooted a proposal in this regard when I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM asked me to submit a detailed proposal on the joint project,” he said.
The Chief Minister was delivering the inaugural address at the World Environment Day observance organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment here on Monday.
“Farming is a less attractive career now owing to less returns when compared to the production cost.
‘‘The government is planning several initiatives to make it a lucrative career. Priority will be for ensuring fair prices for produce,” he said.Vijayan said one of the proposals included providing agricultural equipment and raw materials at subsidised rates.
He said the rapid growth of urbanisation, industrialisation and manufacturing are damaging the environment.
‘Crackdown on pesticide-laden produce’
Maintaining vigil against vegetables that contain unaccepted levels of pesticide, the Chief Minister has said the government will not allow sale of vegetables with pesticide content in the state. Speaking after inaugurating the state-level organic vegetable garden on the University College campus here, the Chief Minister said the government will intensify checking for pesticide content in vegetables across the state. If high level of pesticide content is found, sale of those vegetables will be stopped, he said.