Kerala Government Mulls Increasing Land Cap for Plantations to Encourage Diversification
In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the Kerala state government is actively considering raising the land cap on plantations for purposes other than the cultivation of specific crops. Currently limited to just five percent, the state’s Minister for Law, Industries, and Coir, P. Rajeev, has taken note of the concerns voiced by small-scale farmers within the plantation sector. These farmers argue that the existing land allocation is insufficient and unprofitable.
Kerala, renowned for accounting for a substantial 46 percent of the total plantation area in the nation, has been at the forefront of plantation industry innovations. It became the first state in India to establish a dedicated Plantation Directorate under the Department of Industries and Commerce. This move bestowed industry status upon the sector and initiated a series of efforts aimed at boosting production, increasing revenue, fostering value-addition, and promoting a distinct Kerala brand in the global market.
This potential adjustment in land cap regulations could mark a pivotal moment for Kerala’s plantation sector, offering new opportunities for diversification and growth.
