Agriculture department’s nod for revised estimate of ₹134 crore for integrated agri complex project at Anayara

The integrated agri complex at Anayara is expected to cost much more than the original estimation, indicates a recent decision of the Agriculture department.

The Agriculture department has issued orders approving a revised, higher estimate of ₹134 crore for the project and for sourcing ₹20 crore for it from the World Bank-assisted Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) scheme with plans to house the Regional Agricultural Technology Training Centre (RATTC) at the complex.

The project consists of the agri tower, which will serve as an integrated administrative hub for the Agriculture department and allied farm sector agencies, an exhibition centre, and a food court.

The estimate for the tower has been increased to ₹100 crore from ₹79.14 crore as the scope of work had been expanded based on the recommendations made by a technical committee formed in December 2024 for the project, an August 30 order issued by then Agriculture Secretary B. Ashok, who has since been transferred, said.

Original estimate

Meanwhile, the department also approved a revised estimate of ₹34 crore for the exhibition centre and food court. The original estimate was pegged at ₹17 crore. According to the department, the scope of work was expanded to include essential work related to roofing, fire safety and sewage treatment. Additional work on piling and foundation as recommended by the India Institute of Technology - Madras and the price increase in line with the 2021 Schedule of Rates also had prompted the revision to ₹34 crore, according to the department.

Further, the department is also planning to source ₹20 crore from KERA project for this initiative by housing the modernised RATTC in the complex. The KERA project has earmarked ₹20 crore for the modernisation of the RATTC. The RATTC will function in the agri tower building and the necessary space will be provided free of rent.

The agri tower complex project was cleared by the government in November 2023. Designed to bring all its offices and allied agencies under one umbrella, it would ensure better and time-bound service delivery to farmers, according to the department.