The Rs.1,840 crore-Kuttanad Package, which was developed through widespread consultations among all stakeholders, is a people's plan for the region's survival, renowned agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan has said.
However, Dr. Swaminathan, who was unable to make it to the function due to prior commitments, said in a message on the occasion that he hoped the package designed to achieve eco-restoration, livelihood rehabilitation and enhancement would be implemented quickly and effectively for the economic prosperity and ecological security of the residents of Alappuzha district and the adjoining areas that fall under the Kuttanad ecosystem.
The Kuttanad wetlands was a Ramsar site and one that had proposals currently underway for being declared a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It was the only region in the country that had cultivation of rice below the sea level, a technology that was developed by farmers more than 150 years ago. The agricultural expertise of Kuttanad farmers would be of great value to nations such as Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which faced the threat of rising sea level due to global warming, he said.
Calling for active people's participation to ensure desired results from the package, Dr. Swaminathan said synergy of political will, professional skill and farmers' wisdom was essential and since the package was a people's plan, a “bottom-up approach” should be adopted for its implementation.
The Swaminathan Commission had recommended the declaration of Kuttanad as a Special Agricultural Zone (SAZ) to strengthen its contribution to Kerala's food security. “While in the case of SEZ, prime farm land is often diverted for non-farm uses, SAZ is intended to conserve prime farm land for agriculture,” Dr. Swaminathan said.
Pointing out that he had recommended the strengthening of the Mankombu Research Station of the Kerala Agricultural University, Dr. Swaminathan said more research was required on rice-fish cropping systems, soil and water management and post-harvest technology. “I hope speedy action will be taken in strengthening research and extension on the lines suggested in our Report,” he said.
“If the Kuttanad Package is implemented, in letter and in spirit, with enthusiasm and dedication jointly by the people and the government, then September 5 will mark a significant milestone in our effort to promote environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development in Kerala as well as in the country as a whole.”
