Kochi based firm to promote Pokkali Farming

Kochi based firm to promote Pokkali Farming

Subject : Environment

Context: Agronature, a Kochi-based private company working for the farmers’ economic upliftment, has drawn up a plan to promote and sustain this unique traditional farming practice.

Concept :

Pokkali Rice Farming

• The pokkali variety of rice is known for its saltwater resistance and flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts of Kerala.
• The single-season paddy is raised in saltwater fields between June and November followed by a season of fish-farming.
• The uniqueness of the rice has brought it the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is the subject of continuing research.
• Several foreign research institutes, including the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, have been studying pokkali’s gene pools and have identified a portion of DNA on one of its chromosomes that is crucial for salt tolerance.
• Given its ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions and produce high yield, it can help in promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
• Pokkali has medicinal properties and its higher value of antioxidants and low carbohydrate content makes it preferable to those on a low sugar diet.
• Vyttila-11 is the latest variety of pokkali developed by the Kerala Agricultural University.
• Other GI Tag Registered Varieties from Kerala: Kaipad, WayanadJeerakasala, WayanadGandhakasala, Palakkadan Matta and Navara.
• Further, the Kuttanad below-sea level farming system has been recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
• It is unique as it practices rice cultivation below sea level.