Kerala Launches Major Financial Aid Scheme for Rubber Farmers
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in Kerala has opened applications for a significant financial assistance program aimed at rubber cultivators. This initiative, part of the KERA project, provides Rs 75,000 per hectare to support replanting efforts across the state.
Key Districts and Eligibility Criteria
Farmers operating in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthatta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kannur districts are eligible to apply for this scheme. To qualify, farmers must currently cultivate rubber holdings ranging from 25 cents to five hectares. Under the program, assistance is available for replanting up to a maximum of two hectares per farmer.
Ambitious Goals and Expected Benefits
The scheme aims to replant approximately 30,000 hectares of rubber throughout Kerala by replacing existing trees with new, high-yielding varieties. These new varieties promise greater productivity and enhanced resilience against climate change impacts. Officials estimate that around 50,000 rubber farmers will receive direct benefits from this initiative.
Financial Assistance Structure
The financial aid of Rs 75,000 per hectare will be disbursed in two instalments. Farmers will receive Rs 55,000 during the first year, followed by Rs 20,000 in the second year. This structured payment approach ensures continued support throughout the replanting process.
Comprehensive Support for Farmers
Beyond financial assistance, the program includes comprehensive training on advanced, climate-resilient farming techniques. This training equips farmers with the knowledge to maximize yields and secure better income from their rubber plantations. KERA field officers will provide direct guidance and handholding support to all registered beneficiaries.
Boosting Local Seedling Production
To enhance local availability of quality planting material, the scheme offers subsidies of up to Rs 6 lakh to 30 nurseries across the six eligible districts. This initiative aims to strengthen the local supply chain for high-quality rubber seedlings.
Application Process and Requirements
Interested farmers must register online through the dedicated KERA portal. The application requires submission of several documents, including identity proof, a recent photograph, bank passbook details, land possession certificate, a sketch of the farmland, and a bill for planting material purchased from an approved nursery.
Additional Support and Contact Information
Registered farmers will receive invitations to participate in specialized training programs. For further assistance or clarification, stakeholders can contact KERA regional offices located in Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kannur. Alternatively, they may reach out via telephone at the provided contact numbers for direct support.
The KERA project represents a collaborative effort between the Kerala Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the World Bank, focusing on sustainable agricultural development and farmer welfare enhancement across the state's rubber cultivation regions.
