Some 10 lakh to 30 lakh migrant labourers take up skilled or semi-skilled work in Kerala. THE State Bank of India has a branch near the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, in a by-lane on the avenue leading to the Kowdiar Palace, the residence of the former maharajas of Travancore. It is a cosy little place on the first floor of a nondescript building, and the clientele includes the rich and...

The Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, will announce the organic farming policy of the State in Kozhikode on May 17. An official spokesman quoted the Agriculture Minister, Mr Mullakkara Ratnakaran, as saying that the policy proposed the setting up of an organic farming zone in each district so at least 30,000 hectares could be brought under organic farming. About two lakh farmers are sought to be involved in the process....