Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday, 17 August announced a sweeping package of agricultural and environmental policy initiatives, including the launch of a second phase of land reforms, an AI-powered wildlife conflict management system, a new Kerala Brand for farm produce, and a phased hike in the rubber support price to ₹300 per kg. The announcements were made at the state-level Farmers' Day celebrations and state Farmers' Awards function held at Kalamassery, Kochi.

Land Reforms and Agricultural Law Changes

Chief Minister Satheesan said the proposed second phase of land reforms would include timely amendments to existing land laws, with a specific focus on reviving plantations that have remained closed for years. He indicated that the changes would seek to create new economic opportunities while maintaining environmental safeguards. The government also plans to expand multi-crop farming involving high-value crops such as avocado and rambutan as part of a broader strategy to raise farm incomes.

Kerala Brand and Export Push

The government intends to add greater value to agricultural produce and take it to national and international markets under a dedicated Kerala Brand. Satheesan said the full-scale commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Port would significantly boost exports of Kerala's agricultural products and spices by making transportation faster and more cost-effective. Additional warehouses are also planned, enabling farmers to store produce and sell when market prices are most favourable.

₹200 Crore AI System to Combat Wildlife Attacks

In one of the more distinctive announcements, the state government has earmarked ₹200 crore to address the escalating problem of man-animal conflict in Kerala's hilly regions. Satheesan said a comprehensive system integrating Artificial Intelligence and other modern technologies with existing mechanisms would be deployed to prevent wildlife attacks and protect farming communities. This comes amid growing alarm over repeated incidents of wildlife encroachment into agricultural zones across the state's forested belt.

Rubber Support Price and Crop Loss Compensation

Rubber farmers received a direct commitment: the government would gradually raise the rubber support price from the current ₹250 per kg to ₹300 per kg. Satheesan noted that the support price had already been hiked from ₹200 to ₹250 per kg under the current administration. Separately, compensation for crop losses caused by climate change and natural calamities has been increased by 25 per cent, with further improvements reportedly under consideration.

Paddy Farmers and Climate Commitments

The Chief Minister said the government had cleared outstanding payments owed to paddy farmers within two months of assuming office, despite a prevailing financial crisis. A permanent mechanism would be introduced to ensure timely payment whenever paddy is procured in future. Satheesan acknowledged that climate change had disrupted Kerala's agricultural calendar, calling farmers its 'first victims,' and pledged a consistently supportive policy approach going forward.