Kerala Agriculture Department and Horticorp to Stabilize Vegetable Prices During Onam

What's Happening?

The agriculture department of Kerala, in collaboration with Horticorp, is set to intervene in the market to stabilize vegetable prices during the Onam festival season. The department plans to procure vegetables worth ₹3.5 crore from other states as part of a major market intervention initiative. With erratic weather conditions causing a decline in local vegetable production, the department has allocated around ₹10.24 crore to implement this intervention effectively. The plan includes setting up 1,076 Onam markets through Krishi Bhavans, offering vegetables at prices up to 30% lower than the open market. Horticorp and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) will establish additional markets to meet demand.

Why It's Important?

This intervention is crucial for ensuring affordability and accessibility of vegetables for consumers during the Onam festival, a period marked by increased demand and potential price hikes. By sourcing vegetables from other states, the initiative aims to address the supply shortfall and stabilize prices, benefiting both consumers and local farmers. The move highlights the importance of government involvement in market regulation to protect consumer interests and support agricultural sustainability. It also underscores the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to climate variability, necessitating strategic planning and resource allocation to mitigate impacts.

What's Next?

The agriculture department will continue monitoring vegetable production and market conditions to adjust procurement strategies as needed. By August 15, a clearer picture of surplus production and required imports will be established. The initiative may lead to long-term collaborations with other states to ensure consistent supply during peak demand periods. Additionally, the Onam markets will feature Kerala agro products, promoting local value-added food products and supporting farmers. Stakeholders, including consumers and local producers, will likely benefit from stabilized prices and enhanced market access.