Sun Nov 10 14:09:33 UTC 2024: ## Kerala to Pilot New Agriculture Scheme to Boost Food Production

**Thiruvananthapuram, November 10, 2024:** The Kerala Agriculture department is set to launch a pilot project under the New Agriculture Wealth Opportunities – Driving Horticulture Agribusiness Networking (NAWO-DHAN) scheme. This initiative aims to increase food crop production in the state by utilizing fallow or unused land.

The scheme has already garnered interest from 22 land owners and 149 cultivators, with a total of 1,600 acres committed for participation. The department is currently shortlisting farmers based on technical and financial criteria.

Under NAWO-DHAN, farmer groups will be engaged through Service Level Agreements (SLA), treating “farming as a service” without any transfer of land ownership. This model encourages investment in high-tech agriculture by MNCs and individuals, attracted by the tax-free income from agricultural activities.

The scheme addresses a significant food production gap in Kerala. The state faces an annual deficit of 13.76 lakh metric tonnes for vegetables and 14 lakh metric tonnes for fruits. While Kerala has a large area dedicated to perennial crops (over 85%), only 15% is under food crops. The state also has an estimated 1,03,334 hectares of fallow land.

The NAWO-DHAN scheme, implemented by the Kerala Agro Business Company (KABCO), is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Kerala.

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