In Kerala’s Palakkad, farmers launch ‘Support A Farmer’, an initiative to recoup business
The Hindu
The venture sells farm produce at a fair price, in addition to offering consultancy services for those interested in farming
The pandemic has highlighted farming like never before. Support A Farmer, an initiative by a group of farmers and agriculture enthusiasts in Palakkad, Kerala, is a case in point. The collective sells farm produce and guides those who want to take up farming. Rinoob Bhaskaran, consultant head (Operations), says the venture was born out of his decision to eat and stay healthy. “Although my family has been into farming, I took up a corporate job that saw me travelling across India and abroad. The hectic schedule and unhealthy routine resulted in lifestyle compromises. So I was at home on a break. That was when the first lockdown was announced. It was a turning point,” recalls Rinoob, 42.The election authorities are gearing up for the counting of votes cast in the simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, scheduled to be held on June 4. The Collectors and Election Officers of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts said on May 23 (Thursday) that their teams were ready for the counting of votes.
Responding to the prolonged water scarcity, the residents of the area took to the streets in protest on Wednesday. The protest, which drew attention to their plight, stopped only after the intervention of the police. It was not until 1.30 p.m. that a 4000-litre tanker was finally delivered by BWSSB, providing relief to the water-starved residents.