Value-added farm produce will be marketed under 'Kerala Brand' to ensure fair prices for farmers, Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced. Steps will also be taken to facilitate their quick and viable exports abroad by tapping the potential of the Vizhinjam port, he said.

He was delivering the inaugural address at the State-level Farmers’ Day celebrations at Kalamassery, Kochi, on Monday (August 17, 2026).

The State government, Mr. Satheesan said, will frame a new agriculture policy and programmes to support farmers, “the backbone of the State”, in overcoming challenges posed by climate change and natural calamities.

The government will initiate a second round of land reforms by effecting necessary changes in land rules. Measures will be taken to reopen closed plantations and promote tourism and multi-cropping without disturbing agricultural and environmental ecosystems, he said.

Within two months of assuming office, steps have been taken to ensure that paddy farmers received their rightful dues. The price of rubber, initially raised from ₹200 to ₹250, will shortly be further increased to ₹300. Compensation for crop loss due to floods and other natural calamities has been enhanced by 25%. Technology, including artificial intelligence, will be integrated with traditional solutions to tackle wildlife attacks, which pose the greatest threat to farming, he said.

Mr. Satheesan also presented the maiden award instituted in the name of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to traditional seed conservator Cheruvayal Raman.