Thiruvananthapuram: All benefits including grants, subsidies and incentives received by MSMEs in the industrial sector will be given to the enterprises in the plantation sector as well, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve said on Thursday.
Inaugurating a four-day ‘Plantation Expo’, organised by the newly set up Plantation Directorate, Rajeeve said that by April the Plantation Directorates will be fully functional, delivering its services in the state and district levels.
Also, up to five percent of the plantation sector can be used for growing medicinal plants, horticorp ventures, tourism and other purposes.
“Since the potentials of the value-added products from plantation sector are not being fully utilized now,a single window system will be introduced at the Plantation Directorate to give sanctions for making the best out of such products,” the Minister said.
Minister noted that the government aims to bring in a positive impact on the plantation sector.
“It is expected to bring in a positive impact to the plantation sector after it has come under the Industries Department. Nearly 42% of the country’s plantation is in Kerala. But currently, the sector is having a tough time which we expect to overcome soon. Also, the revenue from the Plantation Directorate will be utilised for new initiatives for strengthening eco-tourism and to provide training to the plantation workers”, he said.
Rajeeve also pointed out that the recent budget reflected the commendable growth of the State’s industrial sector.
“The growth rate of the industrial sector in the last financial year is 17.3 percent. This is the highest in the history of Kerala.The growth rate of the manufacturing sector is 18.9% which stands higher than the national rate. Also, the loans given to MSMEs have crossed Rs 60,000 crore this year and this shows the huge support rendered by banks to MSMEs”, he added.
The pioneering event which commenced today on the Sooryakanthi Exhibition Grounds at Kanakakunnu Palace grounds here, is conceived as the first major step to make Kerala Plantation a global brand while ensuring the progress of the labourers in the sector.
The February 16-19 ‘Plantation Expo’has the participation of registered plantations in the state, the cooperative societies in the sector, pertinent traders, distributors and providers of goods and services.
Welcoming the gathering, Shri Suman Billa, Principal Secretary, Industries said the initiatives of the recently formed Plantation Directorate will aid to bolster the revival of plantation sector which is currently having a rough ride.
In his keynote address, A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary, Industries, stressed the importance of attracting more people to the plantation sector which is drastically affected by the challenges like climate changes.
On the occasion, Rajeeve launched the website of Plantation Directorate and logo of the Machinery Expo 2023, while Shri VK Prasanth, MLA, who presided over the function released the teaser of the Machinery Expo 2023.
S Harikishore, Director of Industries and Commerce and Special Officer of Plantation, while proposing the vote of thanks, said, besides formulating initiatives to increase the sectors’ revenue, in the coming years, the plantation expo will be taken to a global level.
Ajit Kumar, Secretary, Labour and Skill Department, gave a special address on the occasion.
Dr Santhosh Koshy Thomas, Managing Director, KINFRA; Dr R Ashok, Chairman, RIAB; AK Jaleel, Chairman, Association of Planters, Kerala; and A K Sudhir and P S Suresh Kumar, Additional Directors, Industries, were also present.
Apart from the products by plantations registered in the state, cooperative societies in the plantation sector, traders, distributors and service equipment dealers, there are special stalls on display at the expo from the Central and State institutions in the sector.
Also,on the sidelines of the event experts will be leading seminars on Friday and Saturday on various topics including the problems and opportunities in the plantation sector. The themes for the seminar are ‘Income augmentation in plantation sector through diversification and value addition’ and ‘Climate change mitigation and climate resilient agriculture’.
The expo features 100 stalls showcasing the products and services of the participants.
Public entry is free to the expo on all days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
