The Agriculture Minister of Kerala K P Mohanan has submitted eight proposals to Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and sought over Rs 600 crore funds to boost the farm sector in the state. The eight proposals submitted were seeking funds for improving irrigation infrastructure, development of ethnic fruit cultivation, promotion of high-yielding dwarf variety of coconut palms, farm mechanization and rejuvenation of ponds among others.
The minister has demanded funds to promote farm mechanization and promotion of high-yielding dwarf variety of coconut palm as the state is faced with labour shortage. The state government has also asked the Centre to raise the farm assistance given for crop loss due to natural calamity.
Further, it has sought funds for conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds.