Thu Dec 05 18:20:40 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Agriculture Minister Promises Minimum Support Price for All Farm Products
**KALPETTA, KERALA (December 6, 2024)** – Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad announced a commitment to ensuring minimum support prices for all agricultural products to protect farmers and guarantee food security. Speaking at the inauguration of Kerala’s first “Kerala Agro” brand store and a Kisan Mela (farmers’ fair) in Vythiri, Wayanad on December 5th, Minister Prasad highlighted the exploitation of farmers by middlemen due to the perishable nature of agricultural goods.
To combat this, the Minister detailed several government initiatives. These include the Value Added Agricultural Mission, aimed at increasing farmer income through value-added products, and the establishment of the Kerala Agro brand, allowing farmers to market their high-quality produce directly. The newly inaugurated brand store, supported by the Department of Agriculture, is a key part of this initiative.
Further bolstering support for farmers, Prasad announced plans for a business-to-business meeting in Wayanad to connect farmers with businesses, facilitating direct sales and marketing opportunities. Additionally, the Minister revealed a substantial investment plan, with ₹2,365 crore earmarked for the agricultural sector, backed by World Bank support. The Minister also inaugurated the Wayanad Paddy Producer Company’s Millet Café in Meenangadi. These combined efforts signal a comprehensive approach to modernize and support Kerala’s agricultural sector.
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