The Agriculture Department has taken up a project to promote upland paddy cultivation with the participation of the tribespeople.
Principal Agriculture Officer Ushakumari told The Hindu on Friday that 10 hectares of land was already under paddy cultivation. Thirty hectares of land in the tribal areas of Marayur and five hectares at Korangatti and Kurathikudy in Devikulam taluk will soon be converted for upland paddy cultivation.
Upland paddy cultivation used to thrive in the district on fallow land. However, over the years, paddy gave way to other crops. Ms. Ushakumari said seeds of traditional paddy varieties such as Kunjukunju, Thavalakannan, Uma and Mahamaya are preferred for upland cultivation. They are known for high resistance to diseases and adverse climatic conditions. She said the yield may not be on a par with the newer variants. However, upland paddy cultivation would rejuvenate the land and help bring forth self-sufficiency in rice production.
The dairy linkThe Agriculture Department plans to promote organic cultivation of rice along with the dairy sector. Financial assistance of Rs.10,000 would be given to farmers for each hectare of land, she said. Rice production could be linked to the dairy sector, both as fodder for the cattle and cow dung as fertilizer for paddy crop. Around 450 hectares of fallow land could be brought under paddy cultivation in the district. She said each block would prepare separate projects for upland paddy cultivation. Production of quality rice would reduce the dependence on other States.
By engaging tribespeople, a sustainable programme for increasing household income is also ensured. Timely advice on pest-resistance, application of fertilizers, and weed control will be given by the Krishi Bhavan. Farmers, self-help groups and Kudumbasree will also be roped in for upland paddy cultivation.
