The ‘Subhiksha Keralam’ programme to bring fallow land under vegetable, fruit, tuber, paddy and other crop cultivation has made steady progress in Ernakulam district, with cooperatives and public institutions responding positively to the call to achieve self-sufficiency in food production in the wake of the pandemic.
Around 1,200 hectares have been identified in the district for cultivation, while nearly 540 hectares are already under various crops.
Primary cooperative societies have led the efforts, with over 1,000 acres under them, while public sector institutions like Traco Cables at Irumbanam too have joined the initiative.
Places like Keezhillam, Palliyakkal, Varapetty, Vazhakulam, Vadavukode, Vengola, and Vadakkekara have seen large areas being brought under fresh cultivation.
R.M. Ramachandran from Keezhillam said 15 acres in the area had been brought under cultivation…