Thiruvananthapuram, July 29: Adv. Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson of the Spices Board, today called on Shri T. Siddique, Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture, Government of Keralam, and held detailed discussions on the pressing challenges faced by spice farmers, particularly cardamom growers, in Idukki district.

 

 

During the meeting, the Chairperson submitted a comprehensive representation seeking the State Government's support for strengthening climate-resilient and sustainable spice cultivation in Keralam. She particularly urged the Minister to take immediate steps to facilitate and expedite Cardamom Registration for eligible farmers, as registration is mandatory for availing the developmental and export promotion schemes of the Spices Board. She stressed that ensuring timely registration would enable a larger number of farmers to benefit from various Central Government assistance programmes implemented through the Board.

 

The Chairperson highlighted the growing challenges confronting spice farmers, including climate change, prolonged dry spells, declining soil health, indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, inadequate irrigation facilities and increasing human-wildlife conflict. She requested the State Government to extend support for mist irrigation systems, community irrigation projects, rainwater harvesting, promotion of bio-control agents, strengthening of Good Agricultural Practices, revision of crop insurance schemes, installation of automatic weather stations and implementation of climate-resilient farming initiatives. She also sought stronger preventive measures, including solar fencing and timely compensation, to address crop losses caused by wild animals.

 

The meeting also explored the potential of indoor saffron cultivation in Keralam as a high-value agricultural opportunity. The Chairperson discussed the possibilities of promoting indoor saffron cultivation, encouraging value addition and creating new income avenues for progressive farmers through scientific cultivation methods and technological support.

 

Adv. Sangeetha Viswanathan further proposed closer collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Spices Board for implementing joint programmes on sustainable spice cultivation, farmer training, value addition, technology transfer and market-oriented initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Keralam's farming community.

 

The Hon'ble Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues presented and assured that the proposals would be examined positively in the interest of the farming community.

 

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