Idukki report submitted to Centre : Dr Swaminathan

Kochi, May 9 (UNI) Renowned Agriculture Scientist and Head of a Central Government Commission to study the agriculture sector in Kerala, Dr M S Swaminathan today said a Rs 1,876 crore package has been recommended for the revival of the farm sector in Idukki District.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Conference on Natural Rubber Extension and Development here, Dr Sawminathan said ''out of the total amount, Rs 750 crore will be loan waiver for the farmers and the remaining amount was the recommended provision for the district.'' He said the Commision has looked into the environmental,economic and infrastructure problems of the district and once it's implemented the farmers' problems will be solved.

''The report addressed how to improve the environment, soil and forest plantation and the income of the farmers,'' he noted.

Dr Swaminathan said the report was crop, area and commodity-specific taking into consideration the peculiar environmental situation of the district and was different from the project prepared for the Alappuzha District, he noted.

Suggestions have been made on improving the rural infrastructure, warehousing, value addition to primary products and in production and marketability of the agricultural products, he added.

Though the Commission was to study the farm sectors in the districts of Wayanad, Palakkad and Kasargod, later on Alappuzha and Idukki were included, he said.

Dr Swaminathan said the report on Alappuzha District was submitted to the Centre last year.

UNI MA GM AK GC1454