100 bio-villages to be set up in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 2 (UNI) As many as 100 bio-villages will be established in Kerala with emphasis on organic farming during 2007-08, which will be declared as 'Harithavarsham,' the year of agriculture and farmers.

This was disclosed by Governor R L Bhatia while addressing the Kerala Assembly on the opening day of the Budget Session.

'Harithasree,' a programme to produce 1.5 million tonnes of vegetables and make the state self-sufficient, would also be launched. Organic farming would be encouraged and technical know-how for this would be widely transferred to the rural farmers.

Palakkad, Wayanad and Idukki would be developed as organic farming based 'vegetable districts.' Stating that the government was committed to the development of agriculture and welfare of the farmers, the governor said a high-power advisory council under the charmanship of the Chief Minister would be set up to provide guidelines on the implementation of various programmes to rejevenate the agriculture sector.

He said a legislation for regulating agriculture marketing would be enacted to safeguard the interest of farmers from the onslaught of multinationals in the field. 'Kisan Sree,' a scheme to provide security to the farmers would also be launched.

The Governor said an intensive dairy development programme would be launched during the 11th Plan period to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production. Wayanad district would be made a major centre for milk production and milk products by establishing a joint venture project with NRI participation.

To ensure timely credit at concessional rates of interest to farmers, the government had taken a policy decision to reduce the rate of interest on agricultural credit. The Central Government would also be persuaded to take measures in order to make credit available at still lower interest rates.

Mr Bhatia said the government intended to introduce a legislation for debt relief and a comprehensive insurance scheme for the fishermen. Interest free loans would be made available to 40,000 fisherwomen engaged in fish vending. Besides, 100 model fish markets would be established in selected centres.

UNI