Kerala’s Onam vegetable drive produces 2.52 lakh tonnes, boosting local farm supply

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s agriculture department has stepped up its focus on vegetable production ahead of Onam, with the state’s seasonal campaign contributing to a significant increase in local vegetable availability.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening domestic vegetable production and supporting farmers while ensuring better availability of fresh produce during the Onam season.

The campaign reflects Kerala’s wider push to expand vegetable cultivation and reduce dependence on supplies from outside the state. The state has been using seasonal cultivation drives, farmer participation and local production initiatives to increase the availability of vegetables.

Focus on Onam Demand

Onam brings a sharp rise in demand for vegetables as households prepare the traditional Onam Sadya. The agriculture department’s campaign is designed to align farm production with this seasonal demand and encourage more farmers to take up vegetable cultivation.

The approach also creates an opportunity for farmers to connect their produce with local markets during a period of strong consumer demand.

Building Kerala’s Vegetable Production

Kerala has been working to expand vegetable cultivation through various programmes involving farmers, local governments and farmer groups. Recent state planning documents have highlighted the need to increase productivity, improve access to planting material and strengthen marketing and storage facilities.

The state’s vegetable production has grown significantly over the past decade, although demand continues to remain higher than domestic supply. The focus is now increasingly on improving productivity, adopting better technologies and strengthening the connection between farmers and markets.

Seasonal Campaigns Supporting Farmers

Onam-focused cultivation has also been used to encourage vegetable production beyond conventional farms, including household and community-level cultivation. Such initiatives are intended to increase local supply while creating additional income opportunities for farmers.

With Onam markets bringing stronger demand for vegetables, the campaign gives Kerala’s farmers an important seasonal market opportunity while supporting the state’s longer-term goal of increasing vegetable self-reliance.