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Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (The only system in India that has been practicing rice cultivation below sea level since the past 2 centuries). A Candidate System for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme, FAO, Rome

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Year of publication 2016

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 11p.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Kuanad Below Sea-level Farming System (KBSFS) is unique, as it is the only system in India that pracces rice culvaon below sea level. The major land use structure of KBSFS is flat stretches of rice fields in about 50,000 ha, of mostly reclaimed delta swamps. They exist in three landscape elements: Karapadam (upland rice fields), Kayal (wetland rice fields) and Kari (land buried with black coal like materials). The rice fields are popularly known as “Puncha Vayals”. Tradionally KBSFS favour ed only one crop of paddy followed with inland and es-tuarine fish wealth, notably the endemic prawn species, pearl spot and clams. The Puncha Vayals with coconut gardens on the bunds and crisscrossed water canals offer an amazing sight. Farmers of Kuanad developed and mastered the spectacular technique of below sea level culvaon, which has several similaries with the Dutch polder system, over 150 year ago. They made this system unique as it contributes remarkably well to the conservaon of biodiversity and ecosystem services including several livelihood services. The recognion of KBSFS as a Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System will insll pride in the farm families of this area and will lead to the conservaon of this unique below sea level rice-fish farming system. The conservaon and refinement of KBSFS is parcularly important in this era of global warming, leading to a rise in sea level. Island States like Maldives as well as countries like Bangladesh are deep ly interested in replicang the Kuanad system.

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