Kudumbashree cultivates 928 acres for Onam in Kollam district in Kerala

Ahead of the upcoming Onam season, the Kudumbashree District Mission has launched a extensive agricultural initiative spanning 928 acres across 11 blocks. The project aims to supply toxics-free vegetables, flowers, and fresh farm produce directly to the public at fair prices through dedicated Onam pop-up markets. Under the ‘Onakani’ and ‘Nirappolima’ schemes, local women farmers have transformed fallow lands into flourishing agricultural belts. The initiative is executed through 3,651 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) functioning under the direct coordination of 68 Community Development Societies (CDS). Under the ‘Nirappolima’ project, 597 women groups cultivated festive floral varieties across 102.65 acres, producing marigolds, globe amaranth, chrysanthemums, and jasmine to meet peak holiday demand. Meanwhile, the ‘Onakani’ scheme targets feast staples, with 1,095 groups farming root crops on 360 acres and 985 groups growing plantains on 311 acres. Additionally, 974 JLGs will harvest fresh vegetables across 155 acres. Among the district’s eleven blocks, Sasthamcotta leads the farming effort with 523 groups managing 129 acres, closely followed by Kottarakkara where 463 groups cultivated 128 acres. Farming activity spans across all major regions: Mukhathala registers 26 acres. “By establishing direct sales channels through Kudumbashree’s festive markets, the initiative eliminates intermediaries, ensuring that farmers secure fair profits while consumers gain access to high-quality, chemical-free local farm produce for their celebrations. At present all arrangements are in place to launch these markets, ensuring wide availability of essential festive goods across the entire district”, said officials.