The Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir, Shri P Rajeeve, announced upcoming policy initiatives in Kerala's plantation sector to harness its full potential. The state government, in collaboration with stakeholders, has been working towards strengthening the sector since the establishment of the Plantation Directorate in 2021. Kerala represents 46% of all plantations in India and has a significant historical and economic impact. The government has commissioned a study by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode to assess the current status and provide recommendations.

Key initiatives include allowing 5% of plantations for horticulture, supplementary crops, and tourism. A single-window system will be established for clearances. The government is considering a policy to permit the cultivation of commercial crops in plantation land. The $285 million World Bank-aided Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) project will benefit the plantation sector, focusing on rejuvenation. The government aims to enhance living spaces for laborers, known as 'layams,' by offering credit subsidies. Emphasis is placed on promoting responsible and ethical practices, especially in tourism activities within estates.

The Kerala Industrial Policy 2023 identifies High-tech Farming and Value-Added Plantation Produce as a priority sector. The second edition of the Kerala Plantation Expo from January 20 to 22 in Kochi aims to showcase the sector's potential to meet global and domestic demand for various products and services. The first edition in 2023 was successful, according to Shri Rajeeve.