Swaminathan panel moots SAZ status for Kuttanad

 
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,  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. The 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.
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.

(The Hindu, 16th March , 2007)