Model coconut farm sector for panchayats

 
The Government would set up one model coconut farm in every panchayat. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran told the Assembly on Monday. Each model coconut farm would have a group of 50 farmers and Agriculture Officers would be entrusted with the responsibility of running of the farm.As part of the initiatives to encourage organic farming in the State, 100 'organic villages' would be set up. Agriculture adalats would be organized in all Krishi Bhavans to address the problems faced by farmers. 'Harisree' programme is being worked out by the department to promote vegetable cultivation and to make the State self-sufficient in vegetables. Already, Idukki, Wayanad and Palakkad had been declared as "vegetable districts" and the programme would begin on April 14.

(The Hindu, 13th March,2007)