The only way to address the agrarian problem in a debt-ridden state where land is scarce, is through the promotion of hi-tech farming.

Innovative farming concepts like green house cultivation are the need of the hour and may be able to support the farming community, say experts.

Kerala has become a consumerist state from an agrarian community, leaving people here to depend on other states for staples.

From rice, vegetables, dairy products, meat and eggs to fruits and pulses, everything is transported from other states. More than 2,000 tonnes of vegetables are brought to the state from neighbouring states everyday.

The state is yet to find a solution to the ailing farming sector despite several recommendations. When paddy fields and farmlands are fast being converted for other purposes, the maximum utilisation of available small holdings is the only practical way to enhance crop production.

This also prompted the finance minister K.M. Mani's budget to propose the promotion of hi-tech farming which has been welcomed as a most sought-after suggestion by agriculture experts.

Setting up greenhouse farms in every panchayat in order to grow vegetables would certainly help the state increase production. Keralites will have the benefit of consuming fresh and chemical-free vegetables, say experts.

“The advantage of vegetable cultivation under controlled conditions is that seasonal changes can be taken care of to a certain extent.

Proper greenhouse cultivation can reduce the use of water, labour etc and provide considerable improvement in the production of quality vegetables,” said Shivdas B. Menon, managing director of Sterling Group of Companies.

A trained and practicing agronomist, Menon says such innovative farming techniques will certainly bring glamour into agriculture and this would attract the educated young generation. Greenhouse cultivation needs to be implemented without any delay, he said.

A high initial expense involved in setting up a greenhouse is a major factor deterring common people from trying out this innovative farming method.

The government’s decision to provide 75 per cent subsidy for greenhouses will definitely attract more farmers to this, say experts.

“Projects funded by the central government for agriculture and cultivation under controlled conditions are being smoothly implemented and operated in other states whereas there has been an indefinite delay in implementing such projects in Kerala.

The Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders should study the methodology by which other states are successfully implementing such projects,” added Menon.

According to Menon there are many reasons that make greenhouse farming necessary in Kerala…

* Due to shrinking farmland areas in the state, the only method to enhance crop production is to adopt greenhouse cultivation.

* Labour charges, a big problem in Kerala, can be considerably saved because if the greenhouse is not so large, even housewives can manage it and round the year cultivation is possible.

* Toxic pesticides, pests and diseases can be controlled to a certain extent.

* Water and plant nutrients can be saved as both are given through the drip system as per the requirement of the crop.

* There will be an increase of 25 to 30 per cent in crop production and no need of soil.

* By introducing substrate (soil less media), cultivation is possible even in rocky areas.