Kerala’s Kudumbashree farm groups surpass target for Onam vegetable cultivation
The Kudumbashree mission in Kerala has exceeded its targets for pesticide-free vegetable and flower cultivation ahead of the Onam festival. Over 33,000 farming groups participated in the initiative to ensure local food security and self-reliance.
Why it matters
This initiative demonstrates the success of community-led agricultural models in promoting organic farming and women's economic empowerment.
As Onam beckons, attention turns this time of the year to Kudumbashree’s ‘Onakkani’ (pesticide-free vegetable cultivation) and ‘Nirappolima’ (floriculture) flagship agricultural initiatives.
‘Onakkani’ and ‘Nirappolima’ are implemented across the State by Kudumbashree, the State’s poverty eradication and women empowerment mission that was set up in 1997, with the primary objective of ensuring the availability of safe, pesticide-free vegetables and local flowers during the Onam festive season.
Last year, Kudumbashree grew vegetables on 8,913 acres and flowers on 1,820 acres for Onam. With the confidence gained from the successful attempt, it set ambitious targets for the current year, expanding vegetable farming to 12,000 acres and floriculture to 2,000 acres.
A massive agricultural coalition was formed to coordinate activities in 1,007 community development societies (CDS) and 153 blocks across 14 districts, including the special block of Attapady.
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