Kerala asked to implement Kuttanad package under central progs

The Kerala government has been asked to implement the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem development package under various ongoing central programmes, Parliament was informed today.
In July 2008, the Centre had given 'in-principle' approval for providing financial support of Rs 1,840 crore for implementing various programmes suggested by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation for development of Kuttanad wetland ecosystem. The deadline for implementing the Kuttanad package was July 2012.
"The government has not extended the period, but has advised the state government to implement the approved activities of Kuttanad package under various on-going schemes/programmes of Government of India," Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

As of June 2016, out of Rs 1,268.13 crore sanctioned for implementation of various programmes and activities, Rs 789.39 crore has been released, out of which Rs 773.81 crore has been utilised so far, he said.
Replying to a separate query on Pokkali rice variety grown in the state, Minister of State for Agriculture S S Ahluwalia said that the area under Pokkali, a saline-and-flood resistant tall-stalk rice variety, has fallen sharply.
It has decreased to 8,000 hectare now from 20,000-25,000 hectare few decades ago, he said quoting data of Pokkali Land Development Agency.

However, the Centre is supporting the state to boost cultivation of Pokkali rice variety, which is grown in the coastal areas of central Kerala, under a central scheme Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) on the basis of project submitted by the state, he said.

Besides, an assistance of Rs 10,000 per hectare is given for Pokkali rice cultivation from the state plan provision, he added.
Pokkali is an ancient farming practice. One season of rice farming is alternated with another season of shrimp culture.
The rice variety is tolerant to salinity and floods. The large-grain rice has a distinct flavour and commands a higher price than ordinary varieties.