THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced Tuesday the minimal price for 16 varieties of vegetables. Kerala, he said, thus becomes the first state in the country to set a minimum price for vegetables. The scheme takes effect as of November 1.
“This would be a great relief to farmers … the state has supported its farmers by taking various initiatives for the development of the agricultural sector”He said in a video conference.
Generally, a base price is established for legumes and food grains, and not for perishable products such as fruits and vegetables. The minimum price will be 20% higher than the cost of production. Even if the market price falls below the minimum price, the product will be bought from the farmers at the minimum price. The product will be classified according to its quality.
“Sixteen varieties of vegetables would be covered in the first phase, and there is a provision to review the minimum price on a regular basis,” Pinarayi said.
Local agencies would have an important role to play, as they would coordinate the purchase and distribution of vegetables. The plan would benefit a farmer with a maximum of 15 acres of vegetable growing per season.
They can register on the agriculture department registration portal after securing the crop to get the benefit of the minimum price.
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