Vettikavala grama panchayat launches scheme to empower farmers - The HinduPublished - October 18, 2026 06:41 pm IST - KollamIn order to promote local agriculture and empower farmers Vettikavala grama panchayat has launched a scheme to support betel vine farmers across the region.Designed to encourage betel leaf farming and ensure the availability of essential organic fertilizers, the initiative aims to boost crop productivity and secure sustainable livelihoods for traditional growers. Panchayat officials pointed out that with proper care and timely nutrient supply, a single betel vine can yield continuous harvests over an extended period.Under this initiative, farmers cultivating betel vines on a minimum of five cents of land will receive organic fertilizer worth ₹2,000 with a subsidy of 75%. The panchayat has allocated ₹60,000 from its development fund for the current financial year to implement the project.A total of 40 farmers, selected through local grama sabhas, will benefit from the scheme. The fertilizers will be distributed using official permits through authorized agencies including KAICO (Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation Limited) and RAIDCO (Regional Agro Industrial Development Co-operative of Kerala Ltd), and the local Service Co-operative Society.Emphasizing the LSG's commitment to the agricultural sector, Vettikavala grama panchayat president Aji Animon said that the local body will continue to formulate and implement innovative schemes to expand betel vine farming and extend comprehensive support to farmers in the future.Published - October 18, 2026 06:41 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }