Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

3,000 Onam fairs, markets this year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Various Government agencies will organise about 3,000 Onam markets and fairs in the State during this season.

Minister for Cooperation G. Sudhakaran told presspersons here on Thursday that the State Cooperative Consumer Federation (Consumerfed) would organise 2,000 markets. Essential commodities would be available through these outlets at prices lower than in the open market by 10 to 45 per cent. The markets would function up to September 5. More than 300 prizes would be available through a lucky dip for those making purchases for more than Rs.500.

Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said the Agriculture Department would organise nearly 1,000 Onam markets in cooperation with agencies such as Horticorp, Kerafed, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council (VFPC) and State Horticulture Mission.

The Minister said that Onam fairs would be organised in all panchayats and blocks excluding those affected by the natural calamities from August 24 to 26. Mr. Ratnakaran said the Government would provide 20 per cent subsidy for the essential commodities. Vegetable would cost 15 per cent less. Besides, it planned to provide Onam kits costing about Rs.100 each to the poor free-of-cost. The Horticorp was preparing 1.5 lakh kits. These could be booked for purchase. The Horticorp would open 34 more stalls.

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