Fertilizer depot to be established near Kalayanad agricultural market in Kollam

In a bid to empower local farming community, a fertilizer depot will soon be established adjacent to the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) agricultural market headquartered in Kalayanad in Kollam. The announcement was made by Punalur municipal chairperson M.A. Rajagopal while inaugurating the annual general body meeting of the Farmers’ Association.

Launched in 2017, the Kalayanad market has steadily grown to become one of the premier agricultural trading hubs in the district. The market has achieved an impressive annual turnover of ₹1.13 crore, catering efficiently to hundreds of farmers from Punalur and its neighbouring panchayats. Beyond boosting farmers’ incomes, the active functioning of the market has also been instrumental in ensuring that local consumers have consistent access to toxic-free, locally grown food products.

During the general body meeting, participating farmers raised pressing concerns regarding the need to upgrade the basic infrastructure of the existing market building. Responding to these suggestions, Mr. Rajagopal assured the gathering that the municipality will fund and construct both the new fertilizer depot and a modern public toilet facility within the current financial year. The annual meeting was presided over by the Farmers’ Association president S. Saleem.