‘Farm fests’ to be held at Kerala Agriculture department farms

The Agriculture department is set to organise ‘farm fests’ in the farms run by it across Kerala.

Farm produce unique to each farm and seed materials will be on display and sale at the events, which is part of the department’s efforts to popularise farming among people.

The festivals, which will last three to seven days, will be organised under the supervision of the Farm Council. Agriculture Minister P. Prasad had announced plans to hold the festivals in the Assembly earlier this year. The department has now issued orders for organising them on the basis of a proposal drafted by the Director, Agriculture department.

According to the department’s order, the festivals can also provide space for the products of farming-related agencies such as Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and ‘Krishikootams,’ the farm collectives created by the department for the popularisation of farming, farm mechanisation and value addition across the State.

For improving public participation in the events, the department is also exploring the possibility of including seminars, workshops and quiz for farmers and school students in the festivals.

There will be an entry fee for the event, which will go towards funding it and the development of the farms.

There are 64 departmental farms in the State, tasked with providing farmers with good quality planting material in sufficient quantities. They include District Agricultural Farms, Seed Farms, Special Farms, and Coconut Farms.