Pokkali Rice

GS III – Agriculture

• Characteristics:

  • A traditional rice variety of Kerala, known for its high salt tolerance in waterlogged coastal regions.
  • Recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for its distinct farming method and heritage.
• Cultivation Cycle:
  • June to November: Rice is cultivated during low salinity periods.
  • November to April: The fields are used for prawn farming when salinity increases.
• Growing Regions: Found in Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.

Benefits of Pokkali Rice Farming

• Climate Adaptability: Naturally resilient to salinity and flooding, making it ideal for climate-vulnerable coastal zones.
• Sustainability: The integrated rice-prawn rotation enhances soil fertility without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
• Economic Value: The rising demand for organic and climate-resilient crops makes it a profitable option.
• Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and protein, with low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for people managing diabetes.

Challenges in Pokkali Cultivation

• Labor-Intensive: Requires specialized farming skills, making it less attractive for large-scale commercial farming.
• Limited Expansion: Grows only in specific saline and soil conditions, restricting its cultivation area.
• Market Competition: Faces challenges from high-yielding commercial rice varieties.

Conservation & Sustainable Farming Initiatives

• ‘Oru Nellum, Oru Meenum’ Project:
  • A Kerala government initiative covering 2,000 acres of Pokkali farmland.
  • Supports a six-month rice cultivation period followed by six months of fish farming, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
• Biodiversity Conservation:
  • The unique salt-resistant genetic traits of Pokkali rice hold value for developing future climate-resilient crop varieties.