Kalpetta :

The Coffee Board has outlined measures to revive the ailing coffee sector in the state.

The Board will provide financial aid to struggling coffee growers to purchase equipment, fertiliser and other inputs used in farm operations.

The amount of Rs 100 crore that has been set aside for ‘supporting mechanisation of farm operations’ under the 12th Five Year Plan will be utilised for providing subsidy to planters to purchase machineries.

According to the Coffee Board officials, planters will be provided financial assistance to procure machineries such as weed/brush cutter, pit-digging machine, telescopic pruner, hand-held/battery operated coffee harvester, sprayers, mini-tractors, power tillers, mini-transporters/rubber track carriers etc.

The new initiative is being rolled to promote mechanisation of farm activities to address the shortage of skilled labour, the officials said.

While small growers owning less than 20 hectares of plantation are eligible to get 50 per cent subsidy (up to Rs 2 lakh) for purchase of machinery, large farmers are eligible to obtain 20 per cent subsidy (up to Rs 5 lakh).

Apart from growers, registered societies with not less than 20 members and farmers’ groups are also eligible to avail benefits under the scheme.

The details of the project, including the names of the machineries sanctioned under the scheme and the sellers who have the necessary authorisation to sell them, are available on http://www.indiacoffee.org/

Details can also be obtained from the nearest liaison office under the Coffee Board. The last date for submission of application is October 31.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / September 15th, 2015