Topic
kerala
Commodities Spices Board Explores Indoor Saffron Cultivation in Kerala as High-Value Agricultural Opportunity
India's Spices Board is exploring indoor saffron cultivation in Kerala as a high-value agricultural opportunity. Chairperson Sangeetha Viswanathan met Agriculture Minister T. Siddique to discuss promoting the initiative, addressing challenges like climate change and human-wildlife conflict, and expediting cardamom registration for farmers.
Technology Keralam deploys ANNAM.AI smart weather stations for climate-smart farming
The Kerala government, in partnership with IIT Ropar, is deploying ANNAM.AI smart weather stations across the state. The hyper-local weather intelligence system aims to help farmers make timely decisions on sowing, irrigation, and harvesting, reducing crop losses and improving productivity.
Commodities Natural rubber prices rule firm at ₹282 as Kerala government hikes support price
The Kerala government raised the support price of natural rubber to ₹250 per kg from ₹200, effective from July 3, 2026. Market prices for RSS IV grade remain firm at around ₹282 per kg, supported by adequate rainfall in key growing regions. However, the sector faces challenges including a shortage of rubber tappers and uneven rainfall distribution across districts.
Commodities Kerala Hikes Natural Rubber Support Price by ₹50/kg to ₹250 Under Incentive Scheme
The Kerala government has raised the support price of natural rubber to ₹250 per kg under the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme, fulfilling a budget promise. The ₹50 increase, effective from July 3, 2026, aims to support farmers facing rising cultivation costs.
Logistics Tata Group Seeks Approval for $1 Billion Shipbuilding Investment in Kerala
Tata Group is seeking approval for a Rs100bn ($1bn) shipbuilding investment in Kerala, marking its entry into shipbuilding. Kerala chief minister V.D. Satheesan stated the state government is considering the proposal and could approve within a month. The move is part of India's broader push to expand shipbuilding capacity, supported by a $2.9bn maritime development fund.
Commodities KAU Vice-Chancellor: Value-Added Local Products Can Unlock Kerala's Rural Economic Growth
Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor T. Sajitha Rani inaugurated a training programme emphasizing value-added local products to enhance farmers' income and stimulate the rural economy. The event also saw the flagging off of the sixth export consignment of value-added food products to the UAE, resuming after a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Ernakulam KVK Commissions 500 Kg Batch Lemongrass Distillation Unit to Boost Fringe Farming
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ernakulam under ICAR-CMFRI has commissioned a 500 kg batch capacity lemongrass distillation unit at Vavely, Kottappady, in collaboration with CSIR-CIMAP under the Aroma Mission. The facility enables local processing of lemongrass into high-quality essential oil (80% citral content) and value-added products, aiming to provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers in forest-fringe areas affected by elephant raids.
Manufacturing Kerala’s Tax Cut on Low-Alcohol Beverages Could Boost Fruit Wine Manufacturing Output
The Kerala government's tax reduction on low-alcohol beverages is expected to spur fruit wine manufacturing, particularly from cashew apples. Agricultural experts highlight potential for farm income diversification, post-harvest loss reduction, and growth of rural processing enterprises.
Technology Asset Homes Deploys Diaphragm Wall Technology for Safe Urban Basement Construction in Kerala
Asset Homes has become one of the first builders in Kerala to deploy diaphragm wall (D-Wall) technology for its premium project Asset Vismayam in Thiruvananthapuram. D-Wall serves as both a temporary shoring system and permanent retaining wall, accelerating timelines and enhancing safety in dense urban environments. Industry observers say this marks a significant shift for Kerala's construction sector.
Trade Kerala Budget Proposes Dedicated Gold Corridor in Kochi-Thrissur Belt to Boost Jewellery Trade
The Kerala state budget, announced by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, proposes a dedicated gold corridor in the Kochi–Thrissur belt to strengthen jewellery manufacturing and establish a gold exchange hub. The initiative, backed by a ₹10 crore allocation, aims to leverage Kerala's position as the largest gold-consuming state and create skilled employment. Industry leaders from Kalyan Jewellers and the Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants' Association have welcomed the move, noting its potential to attract back gold manufacturers who migrated to other states.
Commodities Kerala Budget Raises Natural Rubber Support Price to ₹250; Farmers Hail Move
The Kerala budget raised the support price for natural rubber to ₹250 per kg from ₹200, fulfilling a UDF election promise. Industry leaders say the move will encourage tapping and replanting, though immediate impact is limited as domestic prices are currently above the new floor.
Business HiLITE Group to Invest ₹25,000 Crore in Kerala Real Estate and Infrastructure Over Five Years
Kozhikode-based HiLITE Group plans to invest ₹25,000 crore over five years to develop 50 million sq. ft. across Kerala, encompassing retail malls, IT parks, healthcare, education, residential, and commercial projects. Key initiatives include World Trade Centre Kozhikode, HiLITE Boulevard in Kochi, and YOO Hub Trivandrum.
Manufacturing Milma Receives Spice Coast Excellence Award, Reports ₹4,344 Crore Turnover
Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has been awarded the Spice Coast Excellence Award by The Cochin Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Altacit Global. Milma Chairman K S Mani received the award at the 2026 ceremony. The cooperative reported a turnover of ₹4,344 crore for 2025-26 and has partnered with LuLu Group for global expansion, with plans to enter major e-commerce platforms.
Commodities Kerala University unveils vision plan for sustainable fisheries and blue economy growth
The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has released two strategic action plans to transform the state's fisheries sector and position itself as a global centre for ocean studies. The plans propose a Kerala Blue Economy Council, 'Mission Oceans Kerala', a seafood brand, and climate-smart fishing villages. Fisheries Minister Abdul Gafoor reaffirmed the state's commitment to becoming a national leader in the Blue Economy.
Manufacturing Milma targets ₹10,000 crore turnover by 2030-31, eyes global expansion via Lulu Group partnership
Milma (Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation) aims to achieve a turnover of ₹10,000 crore by 2030-31, expanding domestic and international market presence through a partnership with Lulu Group. Chairman KS Mani highlighted investment opportunities in Kerala's dairy sector, which imports nearly 50% of its milk requirement. Milma recorded a turnover of ₹4,344 crore in 2025-26 and passes 83% of selling price to farmers.
Commodities West Asia Tensions Weigh on Orthodox Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Ongoing war-related uncertainty in West Asia has dented export demand for orthodox teas at the Kochi tea auctions, with prices falling ₹6 per kg. Auctioneers report buyer resistance in Sale No. 24 amid renewed US-Iran tensions, while exporters serving Gulf and CIS markets provide only limited support. The orthodox offering of 255,383 kg saw 85% sold at an average of ₹178.60/kg, down from ₹184.78 last week.
Business Kochi emerges as top tier-II real estate hub with strong growth: Cushman & Wakefield report
Kochi has strengthened its position as a top Tier-II office market in India, driven by 9.7 million square feet of Grade-A stock, robust leasing activity from flexible workspace operators and GCCs, and low mall vacancy of 4.5%. Residential prices rose 10-13% annually. The growth is supported by the metro network, connectivity, and quality of life.
Manufacturing Student-Led Crab Aquaculture Startup Boosts Kerala's Blue Economy
A student-led startup at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies is pioneering innovations in crab aquaculture. Supported by the Atal Incubation Centre, the venture aims to enhance sustainability and productivity in the sector.
Commodities Delayed Monsoon Affects Indian Agriculture Markets
The delayed monsoon in India, influenced by El Niño, is impacting agricultural commodity markets. Key regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan face below-normal rainfall, affecting crop forecasts.
Commodities India's South-West Monsoon Begins Over Kerala
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Trade Kerala Monsoon Onset Delayed, Rainfall 55% Below Normal
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a delayed monsoon onset over Kerala on June 4, with initial rainfall 55% below normal. This weather pattern could impact agricultural trade and import/export activities in India.
Commodities Monsoon Delays Impact Kerala's Agricultural Markets
The delayed monsoon onset in Kerala is affecting agricultural commodity markets, with potential impacts on crop yields and prices. Traders are closely monitoring weather forecasts and market reactions.
Business Monsoon Delays Could Impact Indian Agriculture and Economy
The delayed onset of the monsoon in India, as forecasted by the IMD, could have significant implications for the agricultural sector and broader economic conditions. This delay is attributed to disrupted atmospheric conditions and a developing storm system.
Trade Monsoon Alert: Sri Lanka Hit, Kerala Next
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Business Sri Narasu’s Coffee Targets ₹1,000 Crore Revenue with Regional Expansion
Sri Narasu’s Coffee aims for ₹1,000 crore revenue in five years, expanding into Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The company plans to leverage its strong presence in Tamil Nadu and focus on online channels and instant coffee products.
Business Kerala plans women farmers consortium
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Commodities Kerala's Policy Boost for Plantation Sector
The Association of Planters of Kerala praises new state policies aimed at revitalizing the plantation sector. These initiatives focus on land-use revisions, economic growth, and employment opportunities.