Industries Dept, IIMK ink MoU to study diversification of plantations
Trivandrum / October 13, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 13: The Department of Industries and Commerce (DIC) has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) for conduct of a comprehensive study on diversification and optimisation of revenue from plantations in Kerala as part of various plans envisaged in the wake of formation of the Plantation Directorate under the DIC.
The MoU in this regard was inked in the presence of Minister for Law, Industries and Coir Shri P. Rajeeve at his Chamber by Plantations Special Officer and Director, DIC, Shri S Harikishore and IIMK Mentor Professor Shri Anandakuttan, here on Thursday (October 12).
Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Smt Sarada Muraleedharan; Principal Secretaries (Industries) Shri A.P. M. Mohammad Haneesh and Shri Suman Billa were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the agreement with IIMK was part of a set of upfront initiatives under way to enhance revenue from plantations and build ‘Kerala Plantation’ as a global brand for marketing and value-addition of a wide range of plantation crops.
The government is also looking into the possibility of raising the land ceiling on plantations when they are used for taking up activities on industrial lines by following due legal procedures to enhance revenue from them.
Other initiatives under way include promotion of cultivation of commercially-viable fruits and supplementary crops, value-addition of produce, introduction of new technology and machinery and leveraging plantations for a range of farm-related activities based on due procedures.
Noting that IIMK is glad to collaborate with the government, IIMK Director Prof Debashis Chatterjee said IIMK’s approach will be based on authentic research, sustainable systems and comprehensive revamp in the diversification of plantation sector, which is critical in the state’s economy and commerce.
Earlier, the government had sanctioned fund for conduct of a comprehensive study on the diversification and revamp of plantation sector by taking on board a competent agency. Following this, tenders were invited and an expert technical committee appointed by the government selected IIMK after evaluating its bid.
Kerala Planters Association Secretary Shri Ajithkumar; IIMK Faculty Prof S Venkittaraman; Executive Director Prof Asuthosh Sarkar; Plantation Directorate Additional Director Dr K S Kripakumar and other senior officials attended the function.
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