As part of the 'Onathinorukkam Vilavinte Vismayam 2026' campaign, Kerala has achieved a massive production of 2.52 lakh tonnes of vegetables to ensure festive availability.

  • 2.52 lakh tonnes of vegetables produced under the Onam campaign.
  • Cultivation covered 22,137 hectares across the state of Kerala.
  • Distribution of 70,000 hybrid seed packets and 1 crore saplings.

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant boost to regional food security, the Kerala Agriculture Department has announced the successful production of 2.52 lakh tonnes of vegetables under its specialized Onam campaign. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique announced the milestone on Wednesday during the formal inauguration of the state-wide harvest at the Secretariat campus.

The campaign, titled ‘Onathinorukkam Vilavinte Vismayam 2026,’ was launched on June 5 with the primary objective of ensuring the regional availability of vegetables during the high-demand Onam festival season. The Minister, accompanied by Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar and Animal Husbandry Minister Bindhu Krishna, highlighted that the cultivation spanned across 22,137 hectares of land throughout Kerala.

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A Collaborative Success Model

The success of this massive undertaking was driven by a multi-stakeholder approach. The department effectively mobilized farmers, Krishi Bhavans, local bodies, cooperatives, Kudumbasree units, students, and various voluntary organizations. To support this large-scale cultivation, the government distributed 70,000 packets of hybrid seeds and an astounding one crore saplings to various growers.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such public-driven agricultural campaigns are vital for mitigating price volatility during major festivals. By fostering regional self-sufficiency, the state reduces its reliance on interstate supply chains, ensuring that consumers have access to fresh, 'safe-to-eat' produce while supporting local livelihoods.

Public campaigns are essential for guaranteeing the production of safe-to-eat vegetables and regional self-sufficiency in production.

Beyond vegetables, the state government is looking toward the coconut sector. Minister Siddique mentioned that the government plans to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2 on a grand scale to boost coconut production, value addition, entrepreneurship, and marketing opportunities within the state.

Historical Background

Historically, Kerala has faced challenges regarding the supply and pricing of essential vegetables during the Onam season due to high seasonal demand. The transition toward intensive, state-sponsored cultivation campaigns marks a strategic shift in Kerala's agricultural policy, moving from traditional farming to organized, mission-mode production to combat market fluctuations.

Did You Know?: Even on a tiny 60-cent plot at the Secretariat campus, more than 20 different varieties of vegetables were successfully grown as part of this campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the primary goal of the Onam campaign?
Answer: The goal was to ensure the regional availability and affordability of vegetables during the Onam festival.

Question 2: How many hectares were used for cultivation?
Answer: A total of 22,137 hectares were cultivated across Kerala for this campaign.