Policy to Revitalise Plantation Sector on Anvil: Minister P Rajeeve

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
A draft policy on revitalizing the state’s plantation sector, based on the recommendations of the study by IIM Calicut, is under consideration of the state cabinet, said Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, P Rajeeve today.

Inaugurating the office of Plantation Directorate of the Department of Industries and Commerce here, Rajeeve said Kerala was the first state to set up an exclusive directorate for plantation sector, considering its significance in the state’s economy.

Highlighting the need to revitalize the sector, Rajeeve urged the government officials and labour unions to work together for the growth of the sector.

Rajeeve said a special meeting will be convened to deliberate on reviving the closed plantations.

Elaborating on the measures adopted by the government for strengthening the plantation sector, the Minister said, “Under KERA project, Rs 479 crore has been allotted for re-planting and other activities of coffee, cardamom and rubber.

The government has received around 72 DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) under the new subsidy scheme launched by Plantation Directorate for the renovation and construction of accommodation facilities of plantation workers, he said.

V K Prasanth, MLA, who presided over the function, lauded the Industries Department for creating a conducive atmosphere for industrial ventures to prosper in the state by attracting investment in multiple sectors.

In his special address, S Harikishore, MD, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), said a permanent State Plantation Business Advisory Committee has been formed to deliberate on policies relating to the plantation sector. Also, district-level Plantation Advisory Committees comprising major planters will be convened.

Harikishore noted that a PPP model is necessary for the future development of the sector.

In his welcome address, Mir Mohammed Ali, Director of Industries and Special Officer (Plantations), said an administrative sanction for Rs 30 lakh was given for the construction of the dedicated Plantation Directorate and major reforms can be expected in plantation sector once the government approves the recommendations of the IIM Calicut.

Vazhoor Soman, MLA (Peerumedu); Dr. KS Kripakumar, Additional Director, Industries Department; Santhosh Koshy Thomas, MD, KINFRA; Prince Thomas George, Chairman, Association of Plantations Kerala and K Mathew Abraham, Chairman, United Planters Association of Southern India, also spoke.

After the inaugural function, the first meeting of the State Plantation Business Advisory Committee was held in the presence of the Minister.