Kerala govt mulls draft policy to revitalise plantation sector

T'puram: The state cabinet is considering a draft policy on revitalising the state's plantation sector, based on the recommendations of a study by IIM Calicut, said industry minister P Rajeev.
Inaugurating the office of the plantation directorate of the department of industries and commerce here, the minister said Kerala was the first state to set up an exclusive directorate for the plantation sector, considering its significance in the state's economy. Highlighting the need to revitalise the sector, he urged govt officials and labour unions to work together for the growth of the sector. A special meeting will be convened to deliberate on reviving the closed plantations.
Elaborating on the measures adopted by the govt for strengthening the plantation sector, the minister said, "Under the KERA project, Rs 479 crore was allotted for re-planting and other activities of coffee, cardamom, and rubber. The govt received around 72 DPRs under the new subsidy scheme launched by the plantation directorate for the renovation and construction of accommodation facilities for plantation workers," he said.
In his special address, S Harikishore, managing director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), said a permanent state plantation business advisory committee was formed to deliberate on policies relating to the plantation sector. Also, district-level plantation advisory committees comprising major planters will be convened. A PPP model is necessary for the future development of the sector, he added.
In his welcome address, Mir Mohammed Ali, director of industries and special officer (plantations), said an administrative sanction for Rs 30 lakh was given for the construction of the dedicated plantation directorate, and major reforms can be expected in the plantation sector once the govt approves the recommendations of the IIM Calicut.