Swaminathan panel moots SAZ status for Kerala's rice bowl
The M S Swaminathan Commission that studied the ecological and economic problems of Kerala's 'rice bowl' has suggested a multi-pronged approach to revive the area.
By PTI |
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The M S Swaminathan Commission that studied the ecological and economic problems of Kerala's 'rice bowl' Kuttanad has suggested a multi-pronged approach to revive the area that included its declaration as a Special Agricultural Zone (SAZ).
The Commission's recommendations focussed on ecological preservation of the water-logged the area and revival of Kuttanad as hub of agriculture, inland fisheries and water tourism, state Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said in reply furnished in the state assembly today.
The panel had worked out schemes worth Rs 1,504 crore for improvement of livelihood and economic activity and Rs 335.30 crore for regeneration and preservation of the peculiar ecological system of Kuttanad region, lying mainly in Alappuzha district with its brims touching Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
The state government had prepared an action plan based on this but the Centre was yet to approve the proposals.
The suggestions for ecological protection of the area included steps to check incursion of saline water into canals, declogging canals, removal of parasitic aquatic plants choking the water system and habitation of fish and general health improvement schemes for the people in the area.
For boosting the farming activity, the commission suggested creation of a crop calendar, promotion of coconut-based industries and encouragement of fisheries.
The Commission's recommendations focussed on ecological preservation of the water-logged the area and revival of Kuttanad as hub of agriculture, inland fisheries and water tourism, state Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said in reply furnished in the state assembly today.
The panel had worked out schemes worth Rs 1,504 crore for improvement of livelihood and economic activity and Rs 335.30 crore for regeneration and preservation of the peculiar ecological system of Kuttanad region, lying mainly in Alappuzha district with its brims touching Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
The state government had prepared an action plan based on this but the Centre was yet to approve the proposals.
The suggestions for ecological protection of the area included steps to check incursion of saline water into canals, declogging canals, removal of parasitic aquatic plants choking the water system and habitation of fish and general health improvement schemes for the people in the area.
For boosting the farming activity, the commission suggested creation of a crop calendar, promotion of coconut-based industries and encouragement of fisheries.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
