Precursor to the 5th International Congress on Kerala Studies

Three-Day Seminar: Agriculture in Kerala

📅 May 20-22, 2023 📍 Thrissur

Context & Objectives

Organized to address the paradox of Kerala's agricultural sector—high potential versus stagnating productivity. The seminar evaluated challenges like price volatility and high costs, while highlighting successful local models and new development possibilities.

Day 1: May 20

Experience Sharing

"Anubhavavatharanam"

Presentations by model farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, LSGIs, and co-operative societies sharing success stories and practical models.

Day 2: May 21

Expert Sessions

Policy & Technology

Technical sessions by scientists and experts covering policies, modern technology, marketing strategies, and value addition trends.

Day 3: May 22

Way Forward

Consolidation

Consolidation of discussions from previous days to formulate a concrete future action plan for Kerala's agricultural sector.

Key Discussion Themes

• 🌱Increasing Productivity: Soil health, seeds, irrigation
• 🚜Modernization: Mechanization, Biotech, Nanotech & IT
• 🐘Issues: Wildlife menace, Credit availability, Labor
• 🥥Crop Focus: Spices, Vegetables, Coconut, Rubber, Fruits
• 🏭Value Addition: Food parks, Startups, Exports
• ⚖️Policy: MSP, Procurement, Food safety standards
• 🤝Cooperatives: Role in procurement and marketing
• 🏡Initiatives: "One Local Govt, One Product", Homestead farming

Organized by: AKG Centre for Research and Studies, Thiruvananthapuram & C. O. Paulose Master Memorial Research and Studies Centre, Thrissur

Seminar Academic Chair: Dr. R. Ramkumar | Convener: Dr. A. Prema