Kerala - Alappuzha   

Swaminathan panel moots SAZ status for Kuttanad

Staff Reporter

Swaminathan Commission winds up tour of the region

M.S. Swaminathan

ALAPPUZHA: The M.S. Swaminathan Commission, which has been touring the Kuttanad wetlands in Alappuzha district since March 11 to formulate a special action plan for the region, has mooted promotion of Kuttanad as a Special Agricultural Zone (SAZ) on the lines of the Special Economic Zone.

The Commission, which wound up its tour here on Thursday, said its case study of Kuttanad indicated the need for the Central Government to promote SAZs in areas where agriculture, both as a way of life and as a means to income, should be preserved, by blending traditional wisdom and modern technology. Kuttanad is an ideal candidate for such a zone since ``the conservation and enhancement'' of paddy farming systems in the area is in the interests of both the State and the country.

Talking to reporters after visiting the Thanneermukkam barrage, Dr. Swaminathan said his team had suggested that the State Government focus on a few `urgent tasks' before the onset of the southwest monsoon. These include repair and maintenance of the Thottapally spillway, deepening of the eastern and western side of the leading canal, strengthening the outer bund flanking the leading canal and repair and completion of the Alappuzha-Changanassery (AC) canal.

``The Commission has also suggested to organise rice festivals during the `Harithavarsham' being observed by the State Government. These will help restore the pride of the region in rice cultivation. Attention is also needed for sustainable fisheries in the rice-fish farming system and for establishment of fish sanctuaries, fish farms and cage-culturing units to arrest the rapidly declining diversity of the species,'' he said.

Restructuring urged

The Commission said there was need for a small farm management revolution through restructured `padasekarams,' supported by common service centres, which would have computer-aided and Internet-connected centres apart from appropriate farm machinery, quality seeds and post-harvest support systems.

Pointing out that though much damage had been done to the Kuttanad ecosystem, Dr. Swaminathan said it was, however, not too late to reverse the decline and restore Kuttanad's glory. An interim 10-point action plan had already been submitted to the Centre. The final report, to be submitted in June this year, would deal with the entire Kuttanad wetlands.

"We held discussions with farmers, farm labour, fishermen, fishing community and all the stakeholders and have seen that a fragmented approach will not help to protect and improve the ecological security of the region. Moreover, the unique Kuttanad wetlands is a Ramsar Convention Site relating to migratory birds, which means there are certain stipulations and guidelines to be adhered to while developing this area. The Commission will consider all those while preparing the final report."

Farm tourism

The action plan calls for promotion of sustainable nature, health and farm tourism. Farm tourism, Dr. Swaminathan said, would be of significance in the coming days because Kuttanad was the only place in the world where paddy was cultivated below sea level. ``With several areas expected to go below the sea in another 100 years, there are a large number of lessons Kuttanad can offer to the world,'' he said. Formation of a Kuttanad Water Tourism Promotion Society for Health and Happiness and its members enforcing a code of conduct to prevent water pollution, promotion of fish integrated farming systems and coconut farming systemsare also part of the plan.

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Swaminathan panel moots SAZ status for Kuttanad

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