Organic farming, labour banks in 100-day plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Extension of precision and organic farming methods to more districts, addressing the shortage of farming equipment in Kuttanad and establishment of 'Labour Banks' in four districts are among the programmes planned by the Agriculture Department for its 100-day action plan, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister K P Mohanan said on Thursday.Announcing the 100day plans here, Mohanan said precision farming introduced by the State Horticulture Mission in Palakkad's Perumatty panchayat would be extended to other districts."Financial aid will be given for extending organic farming to 750 hectares. A new scheme will be inaugurated wherein 232 acres of cashew plantation under the Plantation Corporation will be brought under organic farming," the Agriculture Minister said.The Department will launch the cultivation of medicinal herbs in 500 hectares at a cost of  Rs 75 lakh.The Kerala Agro Industries Corporation will select the four districts where Labour Banks are to be set up. The Department plans to open a 2,000 tonne capacity seed godown in Alappuzha within 100 days. A rice mill will be established at Vechoor in Kottayam district.Animal Husbandry Dept's todo listIn the Animal Husbandry sector, the government will launch Rs 8 crore integrated poultry development scheme.A part of the food security scheme, this will be a joint venture of the local bodies and the Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation.As part of the Food Security Scheme, a Centralaided integrated cattle development scheme will be launched in 73 selected dairy blocks.In the next 100 days, the government plans to open the first duck breeding farm in the government sector at Komeri in Kannur district.Printing, Stationery Department Mohanan, who also heads the Printing and Stationery Departments, said that new equipment would be procured at a cost of ` 19 lakh for modernising the Paper Testing Laboratory adjoining the Stationery HQ.