Latest: Seed-vending machines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After coin-operated e-toilets and condom-vending machines, the capital city is all set to get seed-vending machines. The Kerala State Horticulture Mission will soon install three vending machines which will spew out high-quality vegetable seeds.These machines form Phase I of a mission project to set up seed machines in every district. ‘’They’re part of our initiative to promote vegetable cultivation among the citizens of the capital city,’’ Mission director K Prathapan said. The machines will be set up at Civil Station at Kudappanakkunnu, Saphalyam Complex and the Central Railway Station, Thampanoor.All the customer has to do is select the item required and place a Rs 10 currency note and out come the seeds. The machines will offer a wide selection of seeds, Prathapan said; lady’s finger, cowpea, amaranthus, brinjal, cluster beans, string beans, bitter gourd being some of them. They come in mixed packs as well as individual packs."There is a touch screen on the machine and all the customer has to do is select,’’ he said. But these will not be the first machines in Thiruvananthapuram. Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan had inaugurated one at the Horticulture Mission office, and this machine will soon be shifted to the Saphalyam Complex at Palayam.The Mission is looking at busy public places for installing them, one reason why places like the civil station and the railway station have been selected. The technology of the machine is from abroad, but the machines were supplied by an Indian firm. The Mission has placed orders for more machines as part of setting up one in every district.