Kerala Budget Proposes Multi-Cropping and Tourism Boost for Tea Plantations in Idukki

The Kerala government's Revised Budget has proposed allowing multi-cropping in hilly areas and increasing land usage for tourism within the plantation sector. This move has brought hope to the crisis-hit tea plantations in the Peerumade hills of Idukki district.

The Budget, presented by the government led by V.D. Satheesan, stated that the state will encourage multi-cropping in hilly regions and introduce a legal amendment to facilitate it. Additionally, an amendment will be made to allow more land for tourism purposes within the plantation sector. Planters and plantation associations have welcomed these proposals.

Thomas Mathew, a planter in the Peerumade hills and Managing Director of Bethel Plantations, expressed support for the government's initiative. “Allowing multi-crops in plantations will ensure income and sustainability for the sector. In other states, more plantation areas are allowed for multi-cropping. If they allow nearly 10% of plantation land for multi crops, it will provide good income sustainability,” Mr. Mathew said.

He also noted that the Krishnan Nair Commission, appointed when Shibu Baby John was Labour Minister, had studied the issues facing the state's plantation sector. “Implementing the Krishnan Nair Commission’s recommendations will trigger a revival of the plantation sector. Allowing tourism is another beacon of hope for the industry,” Mr. Mathew added.

Central Travancore Planters Association (CTPA) president R. Samraj said that modernisation and new farming practices are essential for the survival of the century-old tea plantation sector. “When multi-cropping is allowed, plantations will get an immediate income boost, which will help the industry survive. If fruit farming is permitted, value-added products will create more job opportunities in the area, helping to attract the younger generation to the sector. There are many areas with tourism potential in Peerumade, and this will help attract more people and provide a steady income to the plantations,” Mr Samraj said.

Peerumade MLA Cyriac Thomas noted that under current conditions, tea plantations cannot survive on tea income alone. “There is vast tourism potential in the major tea plantations situated in the Peerumade and Wagamon areas of the district. Allowing tourism and multi-cropping will ensure the sustainability of the thousands who depend on the tea plantation sector in these hills,” Mr Thomas said.

The tea plantation sector in the Peerumade hills is currently facing a deep crisis. Data from the CTPA reveals that while there were 40 active tea estates in the Peerumade hills during the 1970s, that number has now dropped to 28.