Pokkali Rice: Kerala

• 06 Aug 2020

Why in News

Farmers in West Bengal are experimenting with the pokkali variety of rice to tide over a crisis-like situation created by severe seawater incursion into paddy fields in the Sundarbans (owing to Cyclone Amphan).

• Vyttila-11 varieties of pokkali seedlings were brought from Kerala.

Key Points

• 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.
  
  • It yields about 5 tonnes per hectare.
  • The crop duration is about 110 days.
• Other GI Tag Registered Varieties from Kerala: Kaipad, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Wayanad Gandhakasala, 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.

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) was started by the FAO to safeguard and support the world's agricultural heritage systems.
• GIAHS are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage.
• Three recognised GIAHS sites in India:
  
  • Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir.
  • Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha.
  • Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala.

Source: TH