Kerala government denies allegations of curtailing press freedom
The statement clarified that the government has ordered an inquiry into the leak of a highly confidential letter concerning the World Bank's fund allocation for the 'Kera' project. According to the CMO, such leaks could damage the government's credibility with financial institutions, making it essential to understand the circumstances for the sake of smooth administration.
The government emphasised that the inquiry is not directed at journalists, labelling such claims as part of a fake news campaign. It stated that investigating lapses in official duties is a routine administrative process, and it is incorrect to suggest that journalists will be summoned or evidence collected from them as part of the probe.
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The Print
8 hours ago
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Kerala agriculture growth doubles national average, says CM Vijayan
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News18
10 hours ago
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Kerala agriculture growth doubles national average, says CM Vijayan
Thrissur (Kerala), Aug 17 (PTI) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday that Kerala's agricultural sector is on the path of growth and that the state has achieved more than double the national average growth. He was speaking while inaugurating an online state-level celebration of Farmers' Day and the distribution of state farmer awards. 'In the last financial year, while the agricultural sector at the national level recorded a growth of 2.1 per cent, Kerala achieved a growth of 4.65 per cent. The Agriculture Department implemented several measures aimed at increasing farmers' income by 50 per cent. 'A short-term agricultural programme named Mission 2026 and a long-term plan called Mission 2033 have been highly supportive in this effort," the chief minister said on the occasion of the Malayalam New Year, Chingam 1. The state has also been able to implement a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, Vijayan said. He noted that during this government's tenure, paddy productivity had increased to 3,108 kg per hectare, while coconut cultivation achieved 54 per cent growth through the Keragramam project. The procurement of coconuts rose from 6.28 lakh tonne to 17.20 lakh tonne, the CM added. 'To counter climate change and bring changes in value-added production, the state is implementing the KERA Project with World Bank support at a cost of Rs 2,365 crore. The project will directly benefit four lakh farmers and indirectly benefit another 10 lakh farmers," he said. The chief minister added that this was the first major World Bank-supported project for the agricultural sector in 40 years. Vijayan said the agricultural calendar should be adjusted in line with climate change, and the sector should move forward through constructive discussions and innovative farming practices. The government, he said, was looking into combining modern technologies as well. 'More than 150 agritech start-ups have been launched. The government is also making efforts to carry out effective interventions in the value-added products sector. Moving ahead with the goal of branding agricultural value-added products under the motto 'One Krishi Bhavan, One Value-Added Product', over 200 value-added products have been prepared for marketing," he said. The chief minister said curbing the menace of wild animals was indeed essential. 'However, this cannot be fully achieved through the intervention of the state government alone. Timely amendments to central laws are required, and for this the state government is putting pressure on the Centre," he said. In addition, special projects that can be implemented at the state level have also been designed. The CM said the government's aim was to combine traditional farming practices with modern agriculture techinques and put them into practice. State Agriculture Minister P Prasad presided over the function. PTI TGB TGB KH view comments First Published: August 17, 2025, 22:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala's farm sector on a growth path, says Chief Minister
Kerala's farm sector is powering ahead, recording growth more than double the national average, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. He was inaugurating the State-level Farmers' Day celebrations and distribution of the Kerala State Farmer Awards via online on Sunday. 'While the national agricultural growth was just 2.15% in the last fiscal year, Kerala recorded 4.65%,' the Chief Minister noted. 'This growth is the result of focussed interventions, including Mission 2026 for short-term targets and Mission 2033 for long-term development.' The Chief Minister highlighted that paddy productivity had increased to 3,108 kg per hectare, while coconut cultivation registered a 54 % growth under the Keragramam project. 'Coconut procurement rose from 6.28 lakh tonnes to 17.20 lakh tonnes during this government's tenure,' he added. Climate change At the same time, he acknowledged the threats posed by climate change, market uncertainties, and wild animal attacks. 'To counter climate risks and encourage value-added production, Kerala, with the assistance of the World Bank, is implementing a ₹2,365-crore KERA project, the largest agricultural project from the World Bank in 40 years. It will directly benefit four lakh farmers and indirectly support ten lakh farmers,' Mr. Vijayan said. He pointed out the importance of adapting cropping calendars to climatic shifts and embracing innovation. 'Over 150 agri-tech start-ups have already taken root in the State. We are promoting the idea of 'One Krishi Bhavan, One Value-Added Product,' which has transformed more than 200 farm products into market-ready brands,' the Chief Minister said. Curbing wild animal menace is crucial, but it cannot be fully addressed through State initiatives alone, the Chief Minister said. He stressed the need for timely amendments to Central laws, adding that the State has already taken up the matter with the Centre while also formulating its own special projects. The government aims to integrate traditional farming practices with modern methods to ensure sustainable solutions, he added. 'Backbone of society' Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, who presided over the event, described Chingam one (the first day of the Malayalam month) as not just Farmers' Day but 'a day dedicated to the backbone of our society.' He remarked, 'Farmers devote their lives to feeding us. Supporting them is our shared responsibility. A farmer's fall is society's fall.' Mr. Prasad stressed the need for modern technology in farming. 'From artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things, agriculture must become smarter. Drone-based seeding has already helped us save 40% of seeds and improve yields,' he pointed out. Revenue Minister K. Rajan honoured senior farmer Joseph Pallan and farm worker Sangeetha A.R. on stage. 'Farmers are Kerala's true brand ambassadors. Through value addition, we are ensuring their economic security,' he said, adding that projects worth over ₹2,000 crore are under way to mitigate climate-related losses. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu released Harithagatha, a book documenting the success stories of award-winning farmers. 'From smart Krishi Bhavans to integrated farm projects, the government has made significant strides in improving farm infrastructure,' she said. The event concluded with the distribution of State Farmer Awards by Mr. Prasad and Mr. Rajan. A farmers' rally, starting from the Students' Corner in the morning, marked the beginning of the celebrations.
