KERA Productive Alliance scheme to strengthen smallholder farmers in Kollam

A major initiative aimed at strengthening smallholder farmers and their collectives by elevating local agricultural produce to international standards is set to be launched in the district. Implemented by the Department of Agriculture with assistance from the World Bank, the initiative will operate under the Productive Alliance Scheme of the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) project, ensuring sustainable pricing and secure markets for local farmers.

Inaugurating an awareness programme organised for the district’s farming collectives, Mayor A.K. Hafeez said the project would pave the way for an agricultural resurgence in Kollam, potentially restoring the district’s glory as a prominent hub for the hill-produce trade. Under this scheme, selected farmer producer companies in the district meeting specific criteria will enter into direct agreements with agribusiness firms capable of purchasing their goods.

To support these partnerships, a grant of up to ₹2 crore will be sanctioned for each approved alliance. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by District Principal Agricultural Officer Aneesa M.S. During the technical sessions, State Procurement Officer Suresh C. Thampi detailed the overall scope of the KERA project, while KERA ESSG Nodal Officer Dr. S. Yamuna presented the operational guidelines of the Productive Alliance Scheme before the participating farmer groups.