Coconut sector ignored in state budget: Experts

Thiruvananthapuram: Agricultural experts feel finance minister T. M. Thomas Issac had failed to earmark adequate funds for coconut development while the rubber got Rs 500 crore, despite an assurance from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. But the total outlay for coconut was just Rs 45 crore.

Agriculture Development Policy sub-committee chairman and JD (S) MLA K. Krishnankutty told DC that Coconut Development Board was keen on improving the yield and with the current drought situation, there will be no trees left.

Upset at CM’s false promises, he alleged that his ministry was living in a fool’s paradise. “In my constituency of Chittoor in Palakkad district, scores of farmers are debt-trapped. They need state support. With no second harvest for paddy, they are facing a bleak future,” he said.

R. Hali, former agriculture director, working relentlessly for the sector since the late 60s, is disappointed that Vijayan gave their recommendations scant regard.
They included profit guarantee from value addition, through a cess for the first time in the country, and a farmers welfare board.

“It is unfortunate that despite the CM giving us assurance in writing that our recommendations would be implemented it did not find its due share in the budget,” said Mr Hali.