Corporations are exploiting farmers: V S Sunilkumar

KOZHIKODE: Agriculture minister V.S. Sunilkumar has accused corporates getting "fat of the blood" of farmers. Opening the national seminar on ‘Indian Agricultural Policy: A Review’ at Town Hall here, he said research should benefit farmers and not corporates. "Corporates control not only the seeds and production means but also the technology," he said. "It reduces the price of the produce driving farmers to believe suicide is the only option."  Kerala will open a seed bank on May 29 to ensure food security and for the protection of farmers in trying times.

Dr K.N. Kuruppu presided over the function participated by Dr V Bhavani, Sathyan Kommeri, Dr N Anilkumar, and T.K. Vasudevan. Cheruvayal Raman from Wayanad, popularly known as ‘Vithachan’, was honoured as part of the national seminar organised by KA Keraleeyan Smaraka Samiti and M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation as a part of the “Karshikam-2018”. He preserves varieties of paddy seeds which are on the verge of extinction and promotes sustainable farming techniques blending traditional and modern techniques.

Ms Seethalakshmi Rajan, an enterprising farmer in Vanjode, Thondarnadu Panchayath, who has immensely contributed to the agricultural field was also honoured.  She has done numerous agricultural works along with many other tribal women. She is a recipient  of Best Youth Farmer Award 2016 instituted by Govt of Kerala.