Vegetable seedlings ready for distribution

PALAKKAD:  The seed production centre of the Vegetable and   Fruit Export Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) at Alathur has  prepared a lot of seedlings for distribution around the state. The move is to promote cool season vegetables like  cauliflower, cabbage and capsicum that are usually grown from  September to the middle of February. Already, 3 lakh  seedlings have been supplied to Thiruvananthapuram where pre-urban clubs, coordinated by the State Horticultural Mission, engage in cultivating these vegetables.Around two lakh seedlings were distributed to the other districts also.“Unlike last time when the seeds and seedlings were  distributed free of cost, this time a nominal charge of `2 has been charged for cool season vegetables and `1 for other vegetables and fruits,” said Thomas Cherian, manager of the seed production unit. VFPCK chief executive Vijayan said the area under vegetable cultivation had increased this year owing to the propagation of seeds though Swashraya societies, Kudumbasree and Haritha Nagari Scheme which encourage kitchen and terrace gardens. Fruit seeds are also being distributed. The Agriculture Department promotes kitchen gardens under the Agriculture Technology Management Agency with assistance from the Krishi Vignana Kendra, Pattambi.