The Sampadak Express News Desk
Vettikavala grama panchayat in Kerala has launched a scheme to support betel vine farmers by supplying subsidised organic fertiliser, aiming to lift yields and strengthen livelihoods for traditional growers, The Hindu reported on October 18, 2026.
Farmers cultivating betel vines on at least five cents of land will receive organic fertiliser worth ₹2,000 with a 75% subsidy, according to the report. The panchayat has set aside ₹60,000 from its development fund for the current financial year to run the programme.
A total of 40 farmers, chosen through local grama sabhas, are slated to benefit. Distribution will be made on official permits via authorised agencies including KAICO (Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation Limited), RAIDCO (Regional Agro Industrial Development Co-operative of Kerala Ltd), and the local Service Co-operative Society.
The initiative is designed to encourage betel leaf cultivation and ensure timely access to essential organic inputs. Panchayat officials said a single betel vine can provide continuous harvests over long periods with proper care and nutrient supply, as reported by The Hindu.
Signalling continued backing for the sector, panchayat president Aji Animon said the local body “will continue to formulate and implement innovative schemes to expand betel vine farming and extend comprehensive support to farmers in the future,” according to The Hindu.
