Projects going at snail speed evokes disappointment among farmers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Projects initiated during the first Pinarayi government with an aim to make the agriculture sector self sufficient are now going at snail speed due to the inefficiency of the officials. This has disappointed the farmers. The ruling party is not doing enough to straighten things out.

During the last government rule, every year 2 lakhs metric tons productivity was there but it is hard to keep the increase stable. Though a basic price was fixed by Farmers Welfare Board for 16 types of agriculture goods, the project is not taking off. Even some are saying that the basic price of these agriculture goods is very low.

There is no intervention even when the production cost of agricultural products is rising and when these changes are affecting actors. The money due to these farmers after buying their products through Horticorp are not being given properly. Even compensation amount for the damaged crops faces similar issues.

Some of the projects that lost its steam are Agro Business Company, production of vegetables, Welfare board, and support price.