Around 400 acres of pokkali rice fields in Maruvakkad face serious damage owing to saline water intrusion into the fields ahead of the paddy harvest.
A press release issued by Pokkali Samrakshana Samithy, which works for conservation and revival of the unique rice variety in the coastal areas of Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts, alleged that neglect by competent authority, including the agricultural office in Chellanam panchayat was responsible for the state of affairs.
General convener of the Samithy Francis Kulathungal alleged that the shutter had been opened by those using the pokkali fields for shrimp farming allowing salt water intrusion even before the harvest had taken place.
He also alleged that the opening of the shutters and saline water intrusion had resulted also in damage to vegetable crops in the neighbouring areas.
The press release said that complaints had been submitted to the Ernakulam District Collector, Fort Kochi Sub-Collector and Principal Agricultural Officer.
Meanwhile, Alappuzha District Collector N. Padmakumar has assured pokkali farmers that the government will help conserve the seeds of different varieties of pokkali rice. A statement issued by the Samithy said the District Collector gave the assurance at the inauguration of the pokkali rice harvest organised at the Kumbanji fields collective near Chandiroor.
The Collector said pokkali seeds would be procured at the rate of Rs.50 per kg directly from the farmers. He also assured help for strengthening the bunds of the pokkali fields.
