Steps will be adopted to utilise the untapped potential of the floriculture sector in the State, said Agriculture Minister P. Prasad .
Speaking after virtually inaugurating the 8th edition of the ‘Poopoli’, an international flower show and agri-fest being organised jointly by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, in the district on Monday, Mr. Prasad said as there was a good demand for flowers abroad, the floriculture sector would flourish.
The collection, processing and marketing would be a challenge for the farming community now but it could be addressed after the launching of the Kerala Agro Business Company (KABCO) in 2024, the Minister said.
Since Wayanad district had immense potential in horticulture, especially in floriculture, all possible steps would be adopted to tap the potential, Mr Prasad said. The Agriculture department would focus on promoting value-added products, collection of farmer produce and processing as well as marketing it during the current fiscal, he added.
I.C. Balakrishnan MLA presided over the function. The Poopoli envisages imparting the latest agricultural technologies to the grassroots.
As many as 250 stalls, including those of government agencies and agricultural organisations, have been put up as a part of the event. Different programmes such as classes and seminars on agriculture and allied subjects as well as cultural programmes will be held as part of the event.
The programme will conclude on January 15.
