Kerala Budget Introduces Measures to Boost Agriculture and Traditional Industries

The first budget of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government, presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister V D Satheesan in the Kerala Assembly, introduces several initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture, dairy, rural development, and traditional industries. A significant focus is on Kerala's cashew sector, where a comprehensive package has been proposed to revitalize this key traditional industry. Special welfare benefits have also been announced for pottery workers to support their livelihoods in the handicrafts sector.

The dairy sector sees a major boost with the government's aim to increase the state's daily milk production to one crore litres within the next three years. To achieve this, surplus milk will be processed into value-added products, enhancing returns for dairy farmers and ensuring the sector's sustainability. The budget earmarks ₹102.88 crore for the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development sector, alongside plans to introduce poultry clubs in schools to foster interest in poultry farming among students.

In efforts to support coconut farmers, the budget proposes the establishment of new storage centres to enhance storage facilities. Additionally, rubber growers are set to benefit from a significant relief measure as the support price of natural rubber is increased to ₹250 per kg.

The budget allocates ₹2,138 crore for rural development programmes statewide. Moreover, a special project aimed at reducing road accidents and improving road safety is set to be launched.