News: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced a pilot project aimed at boosting livelihood opportunities for fish farmers in the Kuttanad region in Kerala.
About Kuttanad Fish Farming
Highlights of the initiative:
- A comprehensive approach: The Fisheries Department will take steps towards implementing a range of modern & traditional aquaculture practices, such as de-integrated fish farming, cage fish farming, the sustainable “One Fish, One Paddy” initiative & biofloc fish farming.
- Training programmes: Extensive training programmes will be conducted to equip farmers with necessary skills in aquaculture & other related practices.
- Start-ups: The project will also encourage start-ups to enter the sector, focusing on essential post-harvest activities, such as – processing, cleaning, packing & fish trade.
About Kuttanad Region:
- Kuttanad is a unique region in Kerala, India, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”.
- It has a wetland ecosystem and it is historically known for its integrated farming of fish and rice.
- This system is often called Paddy–Fish Culture or Pokkali system.
- The entire site has been recognized as the Global Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
- Concern: Due to its below sea-level location and a mix of fresh and brackish water, it is ideal for diverse aquaculture practices.
- However, factors like water pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change have posed significant challenges, leading to a decline in traditional fishing practices.
