Kerala brand organic vegetables to hit market soon
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Synopsis
The move aims to ensure availability of organic vegetables in Kerala markets The vegetables will be produced in 446 selected clusters across the state Agricultural Department is also planning to set up rice agro parks
In view of the increasing concerns about pesticide containing vegetables and fruits in the market, the government is planning to launch organic vegetables in the Kerala. The vegetables will be grown by select farmers in the state.
Agriculture Minister V S Sunil Kumar informed Assembly that steps were on to ensure availability of organic vegetables in Kerala markets under the brand name. In the initial stage, vegetables will be procured from select clusters across the state.
"Agricultural Department will sell organic vegetables under the name Kerala Organic Brand. The vegetables will be produced in 446 selected clusters across the state," the Minister said.
Agricultural Department is also planning to set up rice agro parks in Palakkad, Ernakulam and Alappuzha. A string of small-scale agro-parks would be set up in other parts of the state. In the next phase facilities with district agro-farms and other available land will also be utilised, he said.
The government would also set up more laboratories to examine chemical residue in vegetables and fruits coming from neighbouring states.
The department is also considering a proposal to set up an advanced laboratory where at least 50 samples of fruits and vegetables could be tested in an hour.
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