Iritty: Aralam Panchayat in Kannur has been selected by the State Government for the implementation of the Kera Gramam (Coconut Village) project, said Sunny Joseph MLA. The project, which focuses on enhancing coconut productivity and efficiency in cultivation, will be implemented over 100 acres.

Under the scheme, farmers will be eligible for a range of benefits, including subsidies for scientific farming, protection of existing plantations, and measures to boost productivity. An amount of ₹37.67 lakh has been earmarked for the distribution of seeds, fertilisers, and other inputs over a period of three years.

In the first year, financial assistance of ₹25.67 lakh will be provided, followed by ₹8 lakh in the second year and ₹4 lakh in the third year. The subsidy will be distributed through Aralam Krishibhavan. Coconut farming is prevalent across more than 900 hectares in the panchayat, including around 150 hectares that fall within the Aralam Farm area.

However, the sector has been hit hard by wild elephant and monkey attacks, leading to a 20% drop in production. Over 5,000 coconut trees have reportedly been uprooted by wild elephants alone. Key coconut-growing areas in the panchayat include Edoor, Puthiyangadi, Keezhpalli, Chedikkulam, Kokkod, Kakkuva, Pothakkund, Aralam, and Vattaparambu.

With the implementation of the Kera Gramam project, the Agriculture Department hopes to make significant progress in revitalising coconut farming across the region.