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)

New species of big cat

 
Discovery of a new species, The clouded leopard of Borneo, is the latest in a growing list of animals and plants unique to the South-East Asian country's rainforest and underscores the need to preserve the area.Genetic tests by researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute revealed that the clouded leopard of Borneo and Sumatra islands is a unique cat species and not the same one found in mainland South-East Asia as long believed, said a statement by WWF, the global conservation organisation. The secretive clouded leopards are the biggest predators on Borneo, growing sometimes to the size of a small panther. They have the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any cat. The Heart of Borneo, a mountainous region covered with equatorial rainforest, is the last great forest home of the Bornean Clouded Leopard.


(The Hindu, 16th March , 2007)

KFRI develops software for trees

 
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) at Peechi has developed a computer-assisted method that will enable the layman to identify various types of trees. Developed by N. Sasidharan, scientist, KFRI, the programme helps to identify a tree based on its vegetative characters like bark colour, surface features, latex, leaf type, arrangement and habitat.Pictures of 85 easily- observable identification characters of trees are provided in the programme. To identify a tree, a person only has to compare it with the pictures of characters listed in the programme. The CD enables a user to identify a tree based on its scientific name or local name. Trees belonging to a genus, family or those occurring in a particular habitat, altitude or locality can also be found out. The major advantage of the programme is that one need not understand the botanical terms essential for identifying plants in other methods. The programme includes 650 trees of Kerala which grow to a height of 5 m or above.
The Minister released another CD on the flowering plants of Kerala, which deals with 4,778 species. The scientific name of the species with author's name and literature, synonyms, local names and habitat are provided, along with flowering and fruiting period. The CD contains more than 4,750 photographs of 2,150 species listed as endemic, red- listed and common garden varieties. Species can be searched by name, synonym, local name, habit or habitat. The exotic species in the state and the number of species in each district can also be found out.

(The Hindu, 16th March , 2007)

Model coconut farm sector for panchayats

 
The Government would set up one model coconut farm in every panchayat. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran told the Assembly on Monday. Each model coconut farm would have a group of 50 farmers and Agriculture Officers would be entrusted with the responsibility of running of the farm.As part of the initiatives to encourage organic farming in the State, 100 'organic villages' would be set up. Agriculture adalats would be organized in all Krishi Bhavans to address the problems faced by farmers. 'Harisree' programme is being worked out by the department to promote vegetable cultivation and to make the State self-sufficient in vegetables. Already, Idukki, Wayanad and Palakkad had been declared as "vegetable districts" and the programme would begin on April 14.

(The Hindu, 13th March,2007)