Why is it in the news?

• The Kerala Government established the Organic Farming Mission to promote sustainable organic and climate-smart farming practices in the state.
• In farms managed by the State Agriculture department, at least 10% of the area will be allocated for organic farming practices. Selected beneficiaries/farms of organic farming schemes are mandated to pursue organic farming for a minimum of five years.

About the Mission

• The mission aims to expand organic farming to 5,000 hectares in Kerala over the next five years.
• It has set an annual target of converting 1,000 hectares of farmland into organic farming.
• Incorporating Organic Farming
• The mission will work on expanding the system for certification, branding, and marketing of organic agricultural products from Kerala.
• An organic farming protocol, aligned with national and international standards, will be implemented to enhance marketing potential.
• The mission will focus on adding value to organic products, possibly through processing or other means.
• To ensure that farmers have access to high-quality seeds and production equipment/materials, it will be facilitated through small-scale units, Krishikoottam collectives, the Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, and Agro Service Centres.
• The mission plans to formulate organic farming schemes in collaboration with Krishikoottam collectives and farmer producer organizations (FPO) in every Assembly constituency in Kerala.

Management Structure

• A Governing Council chaired by Agriculture Minister, will oversee the mission’s operations.
• An executive committee consisting of members from government departments and farm sector institutions will also be involved in managing the mission.