In an initiative to support the festive season and boost local agricultural produce, Kerala’s Agriculture Department has announced the establishment of 2,000 Onam markets across the state. From an agricultural perspective, Medam marks the start of farming activities, and Chingam, the harvest season, is celebrated as Onam, Onakoythu, or Chingakoythu.
The decision comes in response to the rising prices of agricultural commodities. In a meeting chaired by the Kerala Minister for Agriculture, it was resolved to establish at least one market in every village panchayat, municipality, and corporation. From September 11 to 14, a total of 1,076 markets will be directly operated by the Agriculture Department, 160 will be managed by the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK), and Kerala Horticorp will oversee 764.
Agriculture in Kerala’s ecologically vulnerable lands
Agriculture in Kerala stands out from the rest of India due to its unique cropping patterns, driven by the state’s diverse topography and climatic conditions. Kerala has 27 distinct agro-climatic zones, ranging from high-altitude regions with temperate climates to coastal areas characterized by humid tropical weather. This diverse landscape fosters a rich agro-biodiversity, with ecosystems supporting crops such as paddy, sugarcane, vegetables, coconut, rubber, mango, tea, coffee, spices, etc.
Onam, Kerala’s most celebrated festival, symbolizes the state’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural abundance. However, in recent years, the joyous occasion has often been marred by the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions. The district, known for its scenic beauty and fertile lands, has witnessed a series of climate-related disasters, particularly this year’s Wayanad’s devastating floods and landslides, bringing attention to the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and the adoption of agrotech innovations.
The monsoons, which play a vital role in the region’s agrarian economy and the entire India that was once predictable, have become increasingly erratic, leading to extremes of droughts and floods countrywide. These climate-related disasters have resulted in loss of life, destruction of homes, and severe damage to agricultural lands.
These climate-related disasters have disrupted the lives of the people in Wayanad and have had a profound impact on the agricultural sector. Crops such as pepper, coffee, and rice, central to Wayanad’s economy, have suffered due to excessive rainfall and soil erosion. The traditional paddy fields, crucial for the Onam celebrations, have been particularly hard hit, with many farmers losing their entire harvests.
These markets are set to operate throughout the Onam festival season and aim to provide consumers with fresh, locally-grown produce while also ensuring fair prices for farmers. Kerala’s Agriculture Department has been at the forefront of leveraging agrotechnology to enhance the state’s agricultural productivity and support its farmers.
Over the past few years, several initiatives have been launched, focusing on modernizing farming practices, improving crop yield, and ensuring sustainable agriculture. These initiatives have significantly impacted the livelihood of farmers in Kerala.
The Department of Agriculture in Kerala has implemented several e-governance initiatives to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency in the agricultural sector. A few of the initiatives listed below will give a glimpse of it:
- Agriculture Information Management System (AIMS) – integrates all agricultural services such as weather updates, market prices, expert advice, and crop insurance, enabling real-time data flow and easy online access for farmers. It serves as a one-stop solution for all agricultural needs.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) –ensures the transparent and efficient transfer of subsidies and financial assistance directly to farmers’ bank accounts. This system has significantly improved financial aid distribution.
- e-Krishi – This initiative connects farmers with markets, helping them get better prices for their produce. It facilitates direct sales between farmers and buyers, reducing the role of middlemen.
- Karshaka Information Systems Services and Networking (KISSAN) – It is a multi-modal agricultural information system providing farmers with real-time information and advisories through various digital platforms, including web, SMS, and mobile apps.
- Crop Health Management System – An integrated system that provides farmers real-time advice on managing crop diseases and pests, improving crop health and yield.
- Online Licensing System – A streamlined process for issuing dealers and retailers of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides licenses. This online system has reduced paperwork and processing time.
- Virtual Classrooms and Video Conferencing – These facilities enhance communication and training for agricultural officers and farmers, especially during critical periods like COVID-19.
The Department of Agriculture in Kerala has been progressively implementing e-governance initiatives to support farmers. These initiatives have significantly impacted the agricultural sector in Kerala by improving accessibility to vital information, market connectivity, and farming efficiency.
Customized solutions can address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Kerala’s varied agricultural environment to maximize farming profits. Onam markets are one of the crucial parts of the state’s strategy to promote the festive spirit and local produce and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
By connecting farmers directly with consumers, these markets help farmers secure better prices for their produce without the interference of middlemen. The initiative is expected to contribute to the local economy and benefit thousands of farmers across Kerala.