ICAR-CCARI organized a Field Day and Farmer Interaction Meet in the Kadamakkudy Islands of the coastal district of Ernakulam, Kerala

 

The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa organized a Field Day and Farmer Interaction Meet under Schedule Caste Sub Plan Programme scheme in the Kadamakkudy Islands of the coastal district of Ernakulam, Kerala on 12th October, 2023. Kadamakkudy is a cluster of islands scattered in the suburb of Kochi city and is classified as ecologically fragile and Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area (CVCA). It is also known for paddy fields with Pokkali rice farming, scenic backwaters with fish, duck farming and tourism activities. Area is a unique eco-system prevailing in the coastal saline tract of central Kerala with rich bio-diversity.

A team of scientists from the Institute interacted with the farmers and Grama panchayat officials during a meeting convened in a fish cum crab farm at Pizhala island in Kadamakkudy, Ernakulam district. The Institute team interacted with the farmers and Panchayat officials with an aim to identify and record major problems faced in agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries under the changing climate and natural disaster scenario. Some of the challenges faced by the farmers include flash flood, water logging, uncertain monsoon, soil erosion, poor soil fertility, fungal diseases in vegetable crops, invasive pests in coconut and low productivity, shortage of quality feed, proper feed storage facilities for livestock and poultry farming. Unsustainable farming practices had led to farming land becoming more acidic, drinking water sources becoming more brackish, reducing availability of cultivable land. The fish farming in the island is impacted by challenges like decline in water depth due to heavy siltation and deterioration in water quality especially during monsoon and pre-monsoon periods.

Scientist team also provided much-needed guidance on scientific practices in rice cultivation, horticulture, livestock, poultry and fish farming. Veterinary medicines and extension folders on scientific livestock farming were also distributed during the programme which was attended by 20 farmers from SC community. The programme was organized by a team of seven scientists including Dr. Arunachalam A, Dr. Manohara KK, Dr. Shirish Narnaware, Dr. Gokuldas P.P., Dr. Sreekanth GB., Dr. Amiya Sahu and Dr. Nibedita Nayak.