Thrithala gearing up for people’s agricultural fest for Onam

Thrithala in the district is gearing up to host a people’s agriculture festival from September 1 to 3. The three-day festival coinciding with the Onam celebrations is being held as part of the Sustainable Thrithala Project spearheaded by Minister for Local Administration M.B. Rajesh in his Assembly constituency.

Agricultural products, including vegetables, tubers and flowers, cultivated across 160 acres for the Onam market, are ready for harvest. What is special about this initiative is that farmers will receive 20% more for their produce while consumers will benefit from 30% lower prices.

The goal is to make pesticide-free vegetables available to the public at lower prices. By bringing unused land under cultivation, the project seeks to empower Thrithala’s residents to grow their own vegetables and become self-sufficient.

A 251-member organisation committee was formed for the successful conduct of the festival. Block panchayat president V.P. Rajeena is the chairperson and assistant agricultural director Mariyath Qibthiya convener.

Ms. Rajeena inaugurated a meeting held to form the committee at Padinjarangadi on Wednesday. Kappur panchayat president Sharafudhin Kalathil presided over the function.

The Thrithala fest will have a special Onam kit scheme offering a range of items, including vegetables, jaggery sweets, fried snacks, papad and payasam, at reasonable prices.

The festival is being held with the support of local self-governments, various Central and State government departments, public sector undertakings, cooperative institutions, universities, farmers’ associations, clubs and voluntary social organisations.

An agricultural exhibition, meet of agricultural entrepreneurs and professionals, agricultural literature festival, book festival, agricultural seminars and discussions will also mark the festival.