The Consumer Farmers Coordination Committee has called on the government to promote vegetable cultivation in government institutions across Kerala. The committee suggested that institutions such as Kerala Agricultural University should take the lead in starting such initiatives. The demand was raised during a programme held in connection with World Consumer Day on March 15 at Chembukkavu in Thrissur.
State President A. B. Sankaran Varavoor said the government should introduce practical learning methods in schools and colleges so that students gain direct experience in agriculture. He also announced that the committee plans to mobilise farmers to bring one lakh hectares of fallow land under cultivation. For this year, the committee aims to carry out organic vegetable farming on 100 acres.
The event was inaugurated by A. Prasad, Deputy Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, while District President Kanakappilly Gopinathan presided over the meeting. During the programme, the committee also requested the Deputy Mayor to support the construction of a Consumer Farmers’ Hall in Thrissur district as part of the 50th anniversary of the consumer movement in Kerala.
Members of the consumer movement shared their experiences at the event, recalling efforts made for the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act and the establishment of consumer courts in the country. A message sent earlier by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to the organisation was also displayed.
Founder Secretary Radhakrishnan Chembukkavu spoke about the achievements of the consumer movement, while State General Secretary Sunil Mathathil presented plans to promote household-level vegetable gardens.
