Thiruvananthapuram: The state agricultural department will set up agro parks in five centers at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. Each center will receive Rs 20 crore as a primary allocation.
The Kerala Agro Industries Corporation has drawn up the detailed project report (DPR) of the parks planned in Thrissur, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Idukki districts.
Money for the project is to come from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), after listing it in the state budget.
The agro parks in Thrissur will focus on production of honey and plantain. Those in Kozhikode and Palakkad will be for coconut and the one in Idukki will cultivate off-season vegetables.
The agricultural department has identified land for the parks. Each unit will get Rs 20 crore in the first stage. The plan is to open all five parks within a year.
The agro parks are to be utilized for export promotion. Products will be directly exported to locations including foreign countries, from points of production, under specific brand names. Farmers will be provided with assistance to produce more agri products with international standards.
At each park, they will be taught the ultra modern and scientific farming methods of specific crops, as also the models of farming in different countries.
The parks will also provide for direct purchase and storage of agri products from farmers. The parks will also have the facilities to develop subsidiary products.
Read more: Business | Power tariffs in the country could rise: minister