Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism and Devaswom,

Shri V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture,

Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Hon’ble Opposition Leader,

Advocate V.K. Prasanth, Mayor,

Shri Shashi Tharoor, M.P.,

Shri K. Muraleedharan, M.L.A.,

Shri Palayam Rajan, Councilor,

Smt. Rani George IAS, Secretary, Tourism and Culture,

Dr. Venu IAS, Principal Secretary, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Forests,

Shri R. Rahul, IRS, Managing Director, KTDC,

Friends in Media,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

       I am very happy to inaugurate Vasanthotsavam, which has been organized both as a mega event and as a curtain raiser to a Spring of development in our State.

I would say that the colourful Vasanthotsavam appears as a floral carpet that our State spreads to welcome the representatives of the Non-Resident Keralites who would participate in the Loka Kerala Sabha to be convened in the coming days, to discuss and take forward the developmental dreams of Kerala. I am informed that Vasanthotsavam combines an exhibition of Flowers, Medicinal and rare Plants, Agricultural products, the recreation of a Tribal Village and Sacred Groves, Aqua Show, Food Festival etc., all systematically brought under one umbrella.

       Therefore, let me convey my deep sense of appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the Department of Tourism, the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries, Tribal Development  and  other agencies who have worked together to organize this event. I am certain that this event would showcase before the world, a colorful representation of the pristine beauty as well as the rich agricultural heritage of Kerala.

       As we all know, there has been a sense of rejuvenation in the agricultural and horticultural sectors in Kerala in recent years. The Government's intervention in the promotion of agriculture has begun to see results, with more people realizing the need for organic farming and for                 agri-preneurship. 

We also see a lot of people coming forward to cultivate and market ornamental plants like orchids. It is also satisfying to note that along with vegetable farming, people have now started planting medicinal plants in their homesteads. It is laudable, since through this gesture, they are also protecting the herbal wealth of our State.

       In this connection, I must mention our efforts in Kerala Raj Bhavan, where an almost full-fledged Medicinal Plant Garden has come up. We have over 200 varieties of medicinal plants in more than two and a half acres of land. The State and Central Medicinal Plant Boards the Department of Agriculture and the Kerala Agricultural University had helped us to develop this garden.

       While admiring the colorful array of plants and flowers set up as part of Vasanthotsavam, I must also mention the need to reach out to people who take up such cultivation as a livelihood. The agro climatic condition in Kerala is favourable for the production of flower crops in protected environments. Since the global market for tropical flowers is increasing, Kerala can make use of the potential for flower and orchid trade. When we realize that the global flower demand is for Rs. 90,000 crore and that India's contribution is less than one percent, the message should be clear: We must encourage floriculture in every household.

       More importantly, we should ask ourselves whether our approach towards farming needs any fine-tuning, especially in disseminating agricultural information. We should also ensure that every relevant information on innovative farming practices and on subsidies reach our farmers on time.  Most of our web sites including that of the Department of Agriculture provide more information in English than in Malayalam.  I think the message of farming should reach households through students with full information and even formats for claiming financial aid in Malayalam itself, so that more people come forward to participate is such ventures. I would also suggest that we should make Vasanthotsavam a platform for a reality check which will help us to correct our methods according to the feedback from stakeholders.

       Another point that merits mention is the recreation of the life and settlements of tribal communities in this Festival. I hope this would help in creating a better understanding about their needs so as to fine-tune the schemes being carried out for tribal welfare.  I hope this mega event would also help in highlighting the wealth of traditional medical and other types of knowledge possessed by tribal people.

       To conclude, I compliment Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism and Devaswom, for the efforts taken to coordinate this event. I also greet all farmer representatives and others taking part in Vasanthotsavam and hope that this event improves their prospects further.

       I also compliment the organizers for conducting this event in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind