Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System Latest News

Recently, the soil tests in Kuttanad paddy fields which are part of Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System in Kerala showed increased level of aluminium concentrations in paddy fields.

About Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System

• It is unique and the only system in India that favours rice cultivation below sea level.
• The Kuttanad system is a complex mosaic of fragmented agricultural landscapes divided in three structures:
• Wetlands used for paddy activities and fish catching,
• Garden lands used for coconut, tubers and food crops plantation
• Water areas used as inland fishing and shells
• Recognition: The Kuttanad Below Sea-level Farming System recognised under Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) of Food And Agriculture Organisation.

Impact of Aluminium on soil and Plants

• Aluminium becomes more soluble and toxic as soil pH drops below five.
• Excessive aluminium damages the plant root system and severely interferes with the absorption of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Key Facts about Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

• The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is a Food and Agriculture Organization’s programme launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002.
• It is aiming to strike a balance between conservation, sustainable adaptation and socioeconomic development.
• India’s GIAHS Include
  • Koraput region (Odisha): It is renowned for its subsistence paddy cultivation, predominantly on highland slopes.
  • Kuttanad system (Kerala): It is a unique below-sea-level farming landscape.
  • Saffron Park of Kashmir: It represents a rich agro-pastoral system characterized by traditional saffron cultivation.

Source: TH

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