Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 5 Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday said that a vegetable seed-sowing drive, under the Krishi Keralam project, has started at his official residence Cliff House and urged people of the state to try the same in their homes.
“Every home can grow hope,” Satheesan said in an ‘X’ post, while announcing the launch of the drive at Cliff House here.
He said that the plants will be maintained by the staff under the supervision of Krishibhavan officials.
“As part of the Krishi Keralam project, vegetable saplings will also be planted at the official residences of ministers. MLAs and other people’s representatives will join this effort,” he said in his post.
The CM further said that the Agriculture and General Education departments have together launched the ‘Kathir project’ to promote vegetable farming in schools and build agricultural awareness among children.
“I urge every Malayali to start, even if it is just a few pots on the balcony. Growing clean, toxin-free vegetables is a small step towards healthier families and a more self-reliant Kerala,” Satheesan said, sharing a video of the event at Cliff House.
Later, state Agriculture Minister T Siddique said that superstar Mohanlal will be the brand ambassador of the ‘Kathir’ agricultural project.
As part of the project, Kathir agricultural clubs will be formed in 500 schools in the state in the first phase, the minister said in a statement.
He said that Mohanlal wished the Kathir project would become a big revolution.
The actor was also quoted as having said that he loves agriculture and that he carries out cultivation at his home.
He also said that the Kathir Agricultural Club project aimed at promoting agricultural aptitude in children was very important and gratifying and hailed the government decision to give weightage marks to children involved in agriculture.
“Agriculture should become an addiction for children. The change should start with children. They should be ready to move away from the screens of the virtual world and get down on the ground. Every child should be able to start planting at least one seed today,” the actor is quoted as having said in the statement.
Mohanlal also promised all the support of the Vishwasanthi Foundation, which works in memory of his parents, for the project, the minister said.
Siddique said that Kathir agricultural clubs will be formed in all schools in the state in the next academic year and nodal officers will be appointed for the smooth implementation of the project.
He also said that officer-level training related to the implementation of the project has been completed in Thiruvananthapuram.
(PTI News)
