The Kerala Cooperatives Department recently achieved a significant milestone by shipping 12 tonnes of value-added agricultural products processed by cooperative societies in the state to the United States. The consignment managed through an export agency in Kochi, was ceremoniously flagged off by Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan at the Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal.
Underlining the department’s proactive approach, Vasavan highlighted the recent training provided to representatives of 30 cooperative societies in Kumarakom on processing value-added agricultural products. He stated that each cooperative society received Rs 2 crore in association with Nabard. This fund supports the development of essential facilities such as cold storage and processing units, with loans extended at a minimal interest rate of 1% over a seven-year term.
Highlights:
- Training provided to representatives of 30 cooperative societies in Kumarakom
- Training in the area of processing value-added agricultural products.
- Each cooperative society received Rs 2 crore in association with Nabard.
- Loans extended at a minimal interest rate of 1% over a seven-year term.
- 100 more cooperative societies have applied for the agricultural infrastructure fund.
The products shipped to the US were processed at cooperative societies including Varappetty, Thankamany, and Kakkoor. Vasavan further said that approximately 100 cooperative societies have applied for the agricultural infrastructure fund. Encouragingly, society like Eramala has come forward to export coconut extract, Mankulam is focusing on passion fruit extract, and Ancharakandi is involved in processing coconut oil and extract. Plans are also underway to export Marayur jaggery pending quality testing and clearance.
Minister Vasavan emphasized the economic benefits of exporting value-added agricultural products, foreseeing improved returns for farmers and bolstering the state’s farming sector. As part of its expansion strategy, the department is set to establish an export office in Kochi dedicated to agricultural product exports, further facilitating future trade endeavours.
The Kerala Cooperatives Department’s successful shipment to the US marks a promising step towards enhancing the global presence of Kerala’s agricultural products, promising better economic prospects for its farmers and cooperative societies alike.
