Kerala

The State of Kerala was established on November 1st, 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. It is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. Kerala covers an area of 38,863 square km and has a population of approximately 35.6 million (2018 Census).

Agriculture plays a significant role in Kerala's economy, with a large portion of the population engaged in farming. Other major sectors include tourism, fisheries, and information technology. The industrial landscape of Kerala features a mix of small, medium-sized, and large industries, including coir products, seafood processing, rubber, spices, handlooms, and handicrafts.

Kerala signed the Letter of Undertaking (LoU) with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India on 15th September 2022. It submitted its Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) on 31st October 2023, and the Ministry of MSME approved projects worth Rs. 107.71 Cr for Kerala on 8th February 2024.

The Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce launched the RAMP programme on 4th September 2024 at an event attended by MSMEs, industry associations, media, and other stakeholders.

The key projects approved are as follows:

• DPR preparation assistance to MSMEs selected under the flagship scheme for the scaling up of MSMEs name “Mission 1000”
• Capacity building of MSME on technology adoption, financial management and literacy, export procedures, import substitution, etc.
• Make in Kerala: Support to MSMEs in select sectors with potential for import substitution – connecting with Technology Support Providers, Technology Clinics, Special Orientation Programme for Youth and Women to promote technology driven manufacturing enterprises
• Engaging the services for 500 BDSPs for facilitating MSMEs with special focus on Mission 1000 and Make in Kerala initiatives
• Enhancing Firm Capabilities – Competitiveness Support: Promoting green practices through financial support to MSMEs for energy audits and special awards for greening initiatives
• Development of comprehensive Kerala MSME online portal for providing services to MSMEs with advanced AI/ML capabilities; revamping of the existing portals of Department of Industries and linking with the Kerala MSME Portal
• Upgrading IT infra in Directorate of Industries, District Industries Centres (DICs) and Taluk Offices
• Capacity building trainings for the officials of Directorate of Industries
• Sector specific survey and studies covering major sectors for development and engaging sector experts for 22 priority sectors
• Sectoral conclaves and workshops
• Facilitating adoption of QMS and standards in R&D Resource centers/ Testing facilities/CFCs