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Plans chain of agro-based units, replanting of high-yielding varieties

Thiruvananthapuram June 14 Promotion of agro-based industries through a series of measures has received special attention in the Industrial and Commercial Policy of the Kerala Government, which was cleared by the State Cabinet on Wednesday.

Acknowledging that agricultural sector is the backbone of the State's economy, the policy says all efforts will be made to attract new investments for replanting more remunerative and high-yielding plants.

Besides, a chain of agro-based industries will be established in the State and umbrella brands created for the products.

The Government will collaborate with the Spices Board to set up spices parks at potential locations like Idukki and Wayanad. Also, State-owned agencies will be encouraged to manufacture value-added products from pepper, cardamom, ginger and turmeric and to explore domestic as also international markets for them.

An institutional mechanism will be developed to source expertise from premier research organisations for preservation and processing of agricultural products.

Further, application of biotechnology will be promoted in agriculture and food processing industries.

The activities of National Centre for HACCP Certification and Agency for Development of Food Processing Industries in Kerala will be strengthened.

There will also be initiatives for synergies with the Tourism Department for promotion of ethnic food products.

The policy also spells out a number of measures to revitalise the State's traditional industries sector.

In textiles, manufacture of garments has been identified as a thrust area and it will be encouraged through specific schemes and packages.

Textiles and coir

The textiles mills in the public and cooperative sectors will be re-energised through capital enhancement, smooth credit flow, professional marketing and skill development.

A special package to capture a reasonable share in the growing global market for `Technical Textiles' will be evolved.

In the coir sector, the Government will facilitate establishment of raw husk defibering mills in private and cooperative sectors targeting conversion of a minimum 50 per cent of the husk produced in the State.

The National Coir Research and Management Institute will be equipped for basic and applied research in fibre technology to help improve the processes and products.

Here too, an umbrella brand for Kerala coir and coir products will be created to tap domestic and export markets.

There will also be special schemes and programmes to promote application of `geo-textiles' for soil stabilisation and prevention of soil erosion.

More Stories on : Agricultural Policy | Foods & Food Processing | Kerala

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