Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Wednesday said the oft-made argument that Kerala does not have land for industries is baseless.
The state had enough and more land for industrial development, but it was underutilized, Mr. Balagopal said at a round table discussion on ‘Development of Kerala: The Next Phase’ organized by the C. Achutha Menon Foundation here on Wednesday.
Exemptions from the land ceiling were granted to plantations decades ago to generate employment. However, many of these properties, including those in the public sector, are now defunct, the finance minister said.
Regarding the future development paths of the state, Mr. Balagopal cited manufacturing and employment as key areas of focus. He also drew attention to the state’s potential in developing a “care economy” and establishing itself as a center of education.
In the current geopolitical situation, Kerala should explore the options before it to increase competitiveness and promote sustainable development, he said.
Demographic issues, including an aging population – projections show that in 2036 Kerala will have 22.8% of its population above the age of 60 – pose challenges for the state, Mr Balagopal pointed out.
The development perspective of the left does not forget the people. Kerala wants another term for the Left Democratic Front government, Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary Binoy Viswam said.
Mr. Viswam described the one-day discussion, organized by the CPI-backed foundation, as an “intimate dialogue” for evolving proposals for Kerala’s future development, and in it advancing the legacy of former Chief Minister C. Achuth Menon.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 20:35 IST