The Hindu Business Line : Kerala agri export zone helps improve farm yields

IN little over a year since its formation, Kerala's agriculture export zone (AEZ) has helped improve the State's yield of bananas, pineapple and ethnic vegetables, and has also generated a lot of interest among farmers.

Farms that are part of the Kerala AEZ produced over 21,500 tonnes of bananas, pineapple and ethnic vegetables up to September, said Mr K.R. Jyothilal, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala.

Of this yield, bananas accounted for approximately 5,900 tonnes, pineapple for 1,500 tonnes and vegetables 14,100 tonnes. While much of this produce appears to have been consumed within the State, exporters have directly procured around 300 tonnes of bananas, 140 tonnes of vegetables and 270 tonnes of pineapple, he said.

Meanwhile, the Centre has approved `in principle' the State Government's proposal to establish a separate AEZ for medicinal plants, he said. Similar to the AEZ for fruits and vegetables, this AEZ too will cover several districts, he explained

The AEZ for fruits and vegetables, which extends across nine districts of Kerala, is managed by an `AEZ cell' within the Department of Agriculture. Over 5,000 farmers are already a part of the AEZ project.

Since its launch, an additional 1,700 hectares of land have been brought under cultivation by farmers who are part of the project. In fact, farmers who are part of the AEZ want to expand the area under cultivation, said Mr Jyothilal.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Kerala

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