The Hindu : Kerala News : Jairam Ramesh for integrated approach in spices sector

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 24, 2007
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala

Jairam Ramesh for integrated approach in spices sector

Staff Reporter

Claims that the Union Budget 2007-08 is Kerala-centric

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

Rubber Board cited

"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 the Directorate of Areca nut and Spices over a five-year period.

Cardamom replanting would be in an extent of 25,000 hectares, and a project for development of the Kerala cardamom variety Alleppey Extra Green Bold would be launched shortly.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala