ENA State 2025-04-11 16:00:19 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 11 (KNN) </strong>The Kerala state cabinet is currently reviewing a draft policy aimed at revitalising the plantation sector, based on key recommendations from a study conducted by IIM Calicut, said State Industries Minister P Rajeev.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at the inauguration of the new office of the Plantation Directorate under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Rajeev emphasised the significance of plantations to the states economy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He noted that Kerala is the first state to establish an exclusive directorate for the sector.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Calling for a united effort, the minister urged government officials and labour unions to work collaboratively to revive the industry. A special meeting will soon be held to discuss the reopening of closed plantations, he added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Highlighting government initiatives, the minister said that under the KERA project, Rs 479 crore has been allocated for replanting and related activities in coffee, cardamom, and rubber plantations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He also mentioned that 72 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been submitted under a new subsidy scheme for renovating worker accommodations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">S Harikishore, Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), announced the formation of a permanent State Plantation Business Advisory Committee to guide future policy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">District-level advisory bodies with representation from major planters will also be established. Harikishore stressed the need for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for sustainable sectoral growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In his welcome address, Mir Mohammed Ali, Director of Industries and Special Officer (Plantations), revealed that administrative sanction of Rs 30 lakh has been granted for constructing the new directorate office.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He expressed confidence that major reforms will follow once the cabinet approves the IIM Calicut recommendations.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 41710 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/kerala-cabinet-allocates-rs-479-crore-to-support-plantation-sector-growth 2025-04-11 16:00:19 knnindia.co.in