Kerala - Kozhikode   

Jairam Ramesh for integrated approach in spices sector

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: An integrated approach to spices development, management and marketing is vital for the very sustenance of the vital cash crop sector that has long been neglected, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh has said.

Addressing a programme, `Global Vision for Malabar,' organised by the Malabar Chamber of Commerce here on Friday, Mr. Ramesh cited structural anomalies for the low priority accorded to the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Spices Board under the Commerce Department. Both the enterprises had not received due attention.

" I believe that the Rubber Board is a unique example of how planting, research and other activities could be coordinated under one organisation for the uplift of the sector."

Claiming that the Union Budget 2007-08 was Kerala-centric, the Minister said efforts were on to breathe life into the plantation sector to revive tea, coffee, cashew, cardamom and pepper with special packages for major replanting drives to increase productivity, to be funded entirely by the Centre.

As many as 70,000 hectares of black pepper would be replanted in Kerala with special focus on Wayanad and Idukki. The Centre would fund the programme to be carried out jointly by the IISR, Spices Board, State Government and Directorate of Areca nut and Spices over a five-year period.

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