India: Kerala Agricultural University helps distressed cassava farmers in Wayanad

The timely intervention of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) by offering to provide valuable cassava products has also brought a ray of hope to farmers struggling with crisis during pandemic. “After traders suddenly stopped sourcing cassava due to high availability and low demand for the product in the market, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ambalavayal, under KAU, intervened with the Kerala State Horticultural Product Development Corporation (Horticorp) by using a demonstration dryer unit at Kendra”, Allan Thomas from KVK told the press. KVK's various initiatives have also provided job opportunities for nearly 40 women from five self-help groups. Dr. Thomas added, “The unit can dry 60 Kg of cassava in shifts, but we operate the unit in two shifts a day to help farmers”. He added, “Horticorp collects produces from farmers and returns them after drying. Dried products have a long shelf life and a good demand in the market. Horticorp will offer Rs.11.50 Kg to KVK as processing ...