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Excellent. We will develop this as a professional publication. Volume I will establish the strategic foundation for the entire OISCA Kerala Agriculture Mission 2035.

OISCA KERALA AGRICULTURE MISSION 2035

Green Kerala – Smart Farmers – Prosperous Villages

Volume I

Foundation, Policy Framework and Institutional Architecture

Proposed Length: 50–60 pages (print-ready)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page

Foreword

Message from OISCA International

Acknowledgements

Executive Summary

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 About OISCA International

Chapter 3 Kerala Agriculture: Present Status, Opportunities and Challenges

Chapter 4 Vision, Mission, Core Values and Guiding Principles

Chapter 5 Strategic Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Chapter 6 Governance and Institutional Framework

Chapter 7 Implementation Strategy

Chapter 8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework

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COVER PAGE

OISCA KERALA AGRICULTURE MISSION 2035

Green Kerala – Smart Farmers – Prosperous Villages

Comprehensive Implementation Manual

Volume I

Foundation, Policy Framework and Institutional Architecture

Prepared for

OISCA International

Kerala Chapter

2026

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FOREWORD

Agriculture is more than an economic activity. It is the foundation of civilization, environmental sustainability, food security, and human dignity. Kerala possesses exceptional biodiversity, abundant rainfall, a highly educated population, and a rich agricultural heritage. Yet, the State also faces significant challenges including climate change, declining profitability, labour shortages, fragmented landholdings, and an ageing farming population.

OISCA International has long championed the philosophy of "Grow People, Grow Nature." This philosophy recognizes that sustainable development depends equally on environmental stewardship and human resource development.

The OISCA Kerala Agriculture Mission 2035 seeks to integrate modern agricultural technologies—including artificial intelligence, drones, precision farming, climate-smart agriculture, and digital extension services—with community participation, environmental conservation, and international cooperation.

This implementation manual provides a practical roadmap for transforming Kerala into a global model of sustainable agriculture. It is intended for policymakers, development agencies, farmers, educational institutions, local governments, corporate partners, and volunteers who are committed to building resilient rural communities.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The OISCA Kerala Agriculture Mission 2035 aims to transform Kerala into a globally recognized model of climate-resilient, technology-enabled, environmentally sustainable, and community-driven agriculture. The mission aligns with OISCA International’s philosophy of "Grow People, Grow Nature" by integrating human resource development, environmental conservation, international cooperation, and rural prosperity.

The mission rests on the following objectives:

• Enhance farmers’ incomes through sustainable farming practices.
• Promote climate-resilient agriculture and disaster preparedness.
• Attract youth into agriculture through innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Strengthen women’s leadership in agricultural value chains.
• Promote biodiversity conservation and natural farming.
• Develop smart villages powered by digital technologies.
• Facilitate international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer through OISCA’s global network.

The implementation framework is decentralized, operating through village-level Green Village Committees, district Agriculture Resource Centres, and a State Agriculture Council. The programme will be executed through partnerships with government agencies, universities, research institutions, civil society organizations, private enterprises, and international development partners.

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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Agriculture has historically shaped Kerala’s economy, ecology, and culture. Traditional farming systems contributed to food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. However, rapid urbanization, fragmentation of landholdings, labour shortages, climate variability, and market volatility have created new challenges for farmers.

At the same time, advances in digital technologies, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, drone-based services, and climate-resilient farming offer unprecedented opportunities to modernize agriculture while protecting natural resources.

The OISCA Kerala Agriculture Mission 2035 responds to these opportunities by integrating innovation with community participation, ecological restoration, and international cooperation.

1.2 Rationale

The policy is designed to address:

• Declining agricultural profitability.
• Climate-induced risks.
• Migration of rural youth.
• Degradation of soil and water resources.
• Loss of biodiversity.
• Weak market linkages.
• Limited value addition.
• Fragmented extension services.

The mission seeks to create resilient agricultural systems that generate sustainable livelihoods while preserving Kerala’s natural heritage.

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CHAPTER 2 – ABOUT OISCA INTERNATIONAL

Founded in Japan in 1961, OISCA International is a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development through environmental conservation, human resource development, and international cooperation.

OISCA operates in numerous countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, implementing programmes in:

• Sustainable agriculture.
• Reforestation.
• Environmental education.
• Rural development.
• Youth leadership.
• Community empowerment.
• Disaster recovery.

Its guiding philosophy, "Grow People, Grow Nature," reflects the understanding that healthy ecosystems and empowered communities are mutually reinforcing.

OISCA’s approach emphasizes practical learning, volunteerism, cultural exchange, and long-term partnerships. Through farmer training, youth development, and environmental restoration, OISCA supports resilient and self-reliant communities worldwide.

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CHAPTER 3 – KERALA AGRICULTURE: PRESENT STATUS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Strengths

• Diverse agro-climatic zones.
• Rich biodiversity.
• High literacy and social development.
• Established plantation sector.
• Strong cooperative traditions.
• Expanding digital connectivity.

Weaknesses

• Small and fragmented landholdings.
• Labour shortages.
• Ageing farming population.
• High production costs.
• Limited mechanization in certain sectors.
• Inadequate value addition.

Opportunities

• Precision farming.
• Organic and natural farming.
• Export markets.
• Agri-tourism.
• Carbon markets.
• Digital agriculture.
• Agro-processing.
• International collaboration.

Threats

• Climate change.
• Floods and landslides.
• Drought.
• Pest outbreaks.
• Price volatility.
• Urban encroachment on farmland.

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CHAPTER 4 – VISION, MISSION, CORE VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Vision

To transform Kerala into a globally recognized model of climate-resilient, technology-enabled, environmentally sustainable, and community-driven agriculture.

Mission

• Increase farmers’ income.
• Promote sustainable agriculture.
• Restore ecosystems.
• Empower youth and women.
• Build resilient villages.
• Foster international cooperation.

Core Values

• Sustainability
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Inclusiveness
• Community participation
• Environmental stewardship
• International friendship
• Lifelong learning

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CHAPTER 5 – STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

By 2035, the mission seeks to achieve:

• One million trees planted.
• Ten thousand farmers trained.
• Five hundred smart farms established.
• One hundred climate-resilient villages developed.
• Fifty Farmer Producer Organizations strengthened.
• One thousand youth agri-entrepreneurs supported.
• One hundred women-led agri-enterprises established.
• Twenty-five percent increase in participating farmers’ income.
• Thirty percent reduction in chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.
• Twenty percent improvement in water-use efficiency.

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CHAPTER 6 – GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

State Level

OISCA Kerala Agriculture Council

• Policy direction
• Strategic planning
• Resource mobilization
• International partnerships
• Monitoring and evaluation

District Level

Agriculture Resource Centre

• Demonstration farms
• Soil testing laboratory
• Drone service unit
• Farmer training centre
• Data management

Village Level

Green Village Committee

• Lead farmers
• Youth volunteers
• Women’s self-help groups
• Local government representatives
• Community resource persons

This three-tier governance model ensures effective planning, implementation, and accountability while encouraging local participation and knowledge sharing.

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CHAPTER 7 – IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The mission will be implemented in five phases:

1. Baseline assessment and planning.
2. Capacity building and infrastructure development.
3. Pilot implementation in selected villages.
4. Scale-up across districts.
5. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement.

Key implementation principles include community ownership, evidence-based planning, convergence with government schemes, technology adoption, environmental sustainability, and transparent governance.

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CHAPTER 8 – MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK

Monitoring

Monthly reviews at village level.

Quarterly reviews at district level.

Annual performance reviews at state level.

Evaluation Indicators

• Farmer participation.
• Crop productivity.
• Household income.
• Water-use efficiency.
• Soil health.
• Biodiversity indicators.
• Youth engagement.
• Women’s participation.
• Tree survival rate.
• Carbon sequestration.
• Market access.
• Value-added production.

Learning and Knowledge Management

Lessons learned will be documented and shared through:

• Farmer field schools.
• Digital knowledge platforms.
• Annual conferences.
• International exchange programmes.
• Publications and case studies.

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This completes the framework for Volume I. The next volume will expand this foundation into detailed operational guidance, beginning with Strategic Pillar 1: Smart Agriculture and continuing through Strategic Pillar 6: Water Security, with implementation procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), staffing patterns, equipment specifications, training curricula, budgets, and monitoring tools suitable for field implementation.