Pokkali farmers demand withdrawal of government order

“Aquaculture till April 30 will upset crop cycle of ‘one-rice and one fish’”

Pokkali Samrakshana Samiti, a forum engaged in conserving pokkali rice cultivation, has demanded that the government withdraw its order permitting aquaculture in pokkali fields till April 30, as it will upset the crop cycle of ‘one-rice and one fish’.

The government order said that the time period for fish culture in pokkali fields was extended in 2020 considering the pandemic situation, and that climate change factors had also prompted extension of the time period for fish farming up to April 30 in 2021.

The crop calendar stipulates that rice cultivation is to be carried out between April 15 and November 14 every year. The rest of the year is utilised for brackish water aquaculture, said Francis Kalathunkal, general convenor of the Samiti.