Central Government has allotted Rs.98,725 Crore for Kerala from the year 2015 to 2018 for agricultural needs. Of this Rs.48,000 Crore has already been transferred to state government which was instructed to use according to the needs and demands from the agriculture sector said Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh while inaugurating the first National Banana fest. He also mentioned that State Government is responsible for the proper usage of this fund. He added that Central Government has initiated many policies for the upliftment of villages and farmers.
Minister Kadakampalli Surendran has opined that Kerala has been able to set high standards in health sector compared to other states of India. At the same time it is facing a severe setback from diseases like cancer caused by unhealthy lifestyle. He also opined that the achievements in various sectors should be celebrated and viewed beyond the boundaries of politics. He also said that recently Niti Aayog’s report ranking Kerala first in Health has to be considered as an achievement of the nation and should not be belittled due to divergent political views. He also added that Kalliyoor Grama Panchyat is still in the forefront of agriculture.
Suresh Gopi M. P who was one among the main organizer stated that organizing a big event like National Banana Fest is the noblest way to honour the village. Usually in countries like America, agriculture is promoted by organizing agri related fairs and exhibitions in villages itself which can generate activity and can give visibility to the farmers.
O.Rajagopal who was present at the event said to double farmer’s income who are affected by financial constraints in agriculture, proper promotion and encouragement has to be given and not grants , allowance and pensions moreover Central Government has started initiatives to bring more focus to the rural economy and also efforts to make a self-sufficient rural economy. The motive behind this Banana National festival is to bring banana diversity and value added products from different parts of the India under an umbrella.
In association with National Banana Fest , Central Minister Shri. Radha Mohan Sing, Suresh Gopi M.P and Kadakampalli Surendran released banana special issues of Krishi Jagran and Agriculture World.
Center for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) in association with kalliyoor Grama Panchayat has organized National Banana Fest. The outstanding attraction of the event is that thousands of banana varieties and technologies for value addition are awaiting the visitors. Training for making Value added products, photography contest, farmer’s meet, national seminar, exhibition are all set as part of the event
