The Hindu : Kerala News : Vanilla farmers resent Spices Board initiative

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Vanilla farmers resent Spices Board initiative

By Our Staff Reporter

KOLLAM, APRIL 12. Vanilla growers in the State have alleged that the recent media exercise by the Spices Board had served to harm their prospects.

At a press conference here today, the district president of the All Kerala Vanilla Growers Association (VAGA), Constantine B. Fernandez, and the secretary, K.A. Kabeer, said the Association had already moved the High Court against the Spices Board in this regard.

Vanilla growers in the State are now forced to survive in adverse conditions contrived by vested interests. A canard is being spread that the international prices of vanilla have fallen drastically. The aim is to procure dried vanilla at throwaway prices and enable middlemen to reap huge profits.

Mr. Fernandez said the international prices of dried vanilla were not all that bad. Moreover, given the flavour content of the vanilla beans produced in the country, the Indian produce is quoted high in the international market. It is to counter this exploitation that the farmers have joined hands to launch VAGA. The Association procures vanilla from farmers at fair prices and then exports it. The procurement is only from member farmers. Profits earned from exports are then shared among the members.

This year dry vanilla will be procured at the rate of Rs.6,000 a kg.

At a function to be held at Angamaly on April 16, the Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, will formally inaugurate the procurement programme.

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