Survey recommends organic farming at Vellayani

 A two-month survey conducted by the faculty and students of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, has proposed the constitution of an ecosystem development authority comprising representatives of local people to manage and conserve the Vellayani freshwater lake.The survey carried out during November-December 2008 by the Social Science division of the college recommended an intervention strategy for sustainable management of the Vellayani wetland ecosystem. It identified sand-mining as the biggest threat to the lake.The survey, funded by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), collected inputs from NGOs, agricultural labourers, people's representatives, social activists and environmentalists. The report of the study, which was published recently, called for proactive participatory 'water literacy campaigns' and educational programmes highlighting the need to conserve the Vellayani wetland ecosystem and ensure the rational use of resources.It stressed the need to promote organic farming in the areas bordering the lake and encourage farmers to take up soil conservation and protection of water resources."Heavy soil erosion in the upstream reaches of the canals emptying into the lake has led to the accumulation of mud on the lake bed, reducing the depth of the reservoir," says Dr. S. Mothilal Nehru, Associate Director (Extension), College of Agriculture. "Field investigation revealed that several houses on the boundary of the lake were discharging raw sewage into the water. Analysis of water samples also indicated the presence of coliform bacteria."The report underlines the need to renovate and deepen the Kannukalichal canal and strengthen and raise the bund around the pump house. It highlights the need to educate the residents about the necessity and importance of sanitation.The report points out that the construction of roads across the length and breadth of the lake had affected the ecosystem. It recommends the construction of bridges to replace the roads and enhance the flow of water.The survey team called for an end to the practice of dewatering parts of the lake for paddy farming. It proposed a comprehensive project to promote organic farming in the vicinity of the lake with the support of the Kerala Agriculture University, Department of Agriculture, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam and local bodies. A market for organic products, with a business plan was another major recommendation.The team called for the establishment of a separate authority to promote ecotourism and farm tourism for employment generation and livelihood. It also recommended controlled fish farming with assistance from the Department of Fisheries.It called for a detailed project by the Department of Agriculture, Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat and the College of Agriculture for paddy cultivation in the farmlands around the lake.The report stressed the need to identify alternate means of livelihood like rabbit rearing, vermi-composting, coir pith processing, beekeeping and value addition of fruits and vegetables for farm workers who lose their jobs by the discontinuation of cultivation on the lakebed after dewatering.Pointing out that the area of the lake had shrunk considerably over the years, it called for an action plan to conserve the remaining portions.

The Hindu, 12th May 2009