Context
- Due to severe seawater incursion (after cyclone Amphan) into paddy fields, farmers in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal are betting on bringing pokkali variety of rice from Kerala to their fields.
Why?
- About 80% of the rice paddies in the Sundarbans faced the problem of the saltwater incursion.
- If the Pokkali experiment succeeds, it would be a good step to turn around the fortunes of the farmers.
Back to Basics
About Pokkali Rice
- Known for its saltwater resistance, flourishes in the paddy fields of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.
- The uniqueness of the rice has brought it the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is the subject of continuing research.
- Vyttila-11 is the latest variety to come out of Kerala Agricultural University’s field station in Vyttila.
- It promises better yield of about 5 tonnes per hectare than the previous varieties, and is crossed with the Jyoti variety of rice popular in Kerala.
- Pokkali hasmedicinal properties and its higher value of antioxidants and low carbohydrate content makes it preferable to those on a low sugar diet.
Other GI Tags in Kerala
- Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram is a kind of gold ring worn
- Changalikodan Nendran Bananaor famously known as Changalikodan
- Alappuzha Green cardamom
- Aranmula Mirror
- Vazhakkulam pineapple
- Navara Rice
- Jeerakasala- gandhakasala Rice
- Thazhappaya
- Nilambur Teak
- Central Travancore Jaggery
- Marayur Jaggery/ Sharkara
- Kuthambulli ‘Set and Mundu’
- Balaramapuram Handloom
- Chendamangalam Handloom
- Kasaragod saree
- Pokkali Rice
- Kaipad rice
- Palakkadan Matta rice
- Onattukara sesame seeds
- Malabar pepper
- Thiroor betel leafs
- Wayanad Robusta Coffee
- Palakkad Maddalam
- Alappuzha Coir
- Coconut Shell Craft