Kerala Launches Ambitious Organic Farming Mission to Transform 5,000 Hectares in Five Years

The Organic Farming Mission, coupled with the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission launched in September 2023 to boost millet and vegetable production, demonstrates Kerala’s commitment to sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices.

The Kerala government has set a goal of converting 5,000 hectares of land into organic farms over the next five years as part of a massive campaign to boost organic farming throughout the state. This mission aims to transform 5,000 hectares of land into organic farms within the next five years.

The initiative, inaugurated by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, represents a substantial step toward achieving sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming practices.

Here are the key highlights of the Organic Farming Mission:

Objective: The mission seeks to expand organic farming across Kerala, with a yearly target of 1,000 hectares. The Organic Farming Mission expands on the Kerala Government's Organic Farming Policy, which was implemented in 2010. This mission is a real step toward establishing organic farming practices as a cornerstone of the state's agricultural landscape, in line with the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) electoral vow to promote organic farming.

Land Allocation: To achieve its ambitious goal, the mission will designate a minimum of 10% of land on farms operated by the State Agriculture Department for organic farming.

Long-Term Commitment: Participating farmers are required to adhere to organic farming practices for at least five years.

Quality Inputs: The mission ensures that farmers have access to high-quality seeds and production equipment/materials through various channels, including small-scale units, Krishikoottam collectives, Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, and Agro Service Centres.

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Statewide Reach: The mission will extend its reach to every Assembly constituency in Kerala, collaborating closely with Krishikoottam collectives and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to formulate organic farming schemes customized to local needs.

Effective Oversight: A governing council led by the Agriculture Minister and an executive committee comprising representatives from government departments and farm sector institutions will oversee the mission’s activities.

The Organic Farming Mission, coupled with the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission launched in September 2023 to boost millet and vegetable production, demonstrates Kerala’s commitment to sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices.

The mission will reach every Assembly constituency in Kerala, working closely with Krishikoottam collectives and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to develop organic agricultural systems that are suited to local needs.

A governing council chaired by the Agriculture Minister and an executive committee comprised of members from government ministries and farm sector institutions will be established to properly manage the mission's work.