Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. B. Ashok IAS, the Principal Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, has openly accused the Pinarayi government of betraying the farmers and the agriculture sector in Kerala. The senior bureaucrat made the explosive claims, backed by hard financial data on policy failures and fund cuts, in an article published today in Malayalam Manorama.
Titled “Kala Parichal Kalam Nirayum” (If the weed is plucked, the field will be full), Dr. Ashok’s article clearly outlines the pitiful state of the agriculture sector. As the hidden actions of the government are brought to light, farmer organizations and the opposition are preparing for massive protests.
Key Shocking Revelations by Dr. B. Ashok:
- Massive Fund Cut: The Agriculture Department received ₹ 1125 crore less than the allocations passed in 10 state budgets between 2016 and 2025.
- Burden of Arrears: The government currently owes approximately ₹490 crore} to farmers and contractors as pending payments.
- Reduced Central Aid: Due to the State’s failure to provide its share of funds in a timely manner, central assistance—which was up to ₹250 crore ten years ago—has shrunk to just ₹98 crore.
- Retirement Arrears: Arrears in retirement benefits alone at the Kerala Agricultural University amount to a staggering ₹226 crore.
- Negligible KIIFB Investment: While the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) invested ₹40,000 crore across the State, its investment in the agriculture sector was a mere ₹22 crore.
- Plan Allocation Slashed: The department’s plan allocation for the 2024-25 financial year has been drastically cut by 50 percent.
- Stalled Action: The report submitted by the Agriculture Department to improve paddy procurement has not seen swift action.
- Welfare Board Delay: The formation of the Farmers’ Welfare Fund Board has been pending with the Finance Department for 3 years.
Dr. B. Ashok warns that the government’s continuous negligence and financial cuts will destroy the State’s agriculture sector, providing a clear picture of the government’s indifference towards the backbone of the economy.
