Preparations for sowing seeds at the onset of the monsoon season have been delayed in Kochi, as fields have not been plowed in advance. Farmers are expressing concern that agricultural activities may face disruption once again this year. Rice farmers allege that the delay stems from an error in the order issued by the Pokkali Field Development Agency (PLDA).
PLDA Order Blamed for Delays
The PLDA, chaired by Ernakulam Collector G. Priyanka, is responsible for regulating the agricultural calendar for Pokkali fields. Under the traditional schedule, rice cultivation is permitted from April 15 to November 14, with the remaining five months allocated for fish farming. However, the PLDA order issued on April 9 suggested that draining the fields and plowing them by May 30 would be sufficient, deviating from the established timeline.
Farmers’ Complaints Ignored
Farmers across the Kochi, Paravur, and Kanayannur taluks pointed out the error in the order and submitted complaints to the authorities, but no action was taken. According to the traditional calendar, fish farming should have concluded by April 14, with water completely drained within a week. This long-standing practice has now been disrupted, resulting in saltwater retention in the fields beyond the deadline.
Francis Kalathinkal, general convener of the Pokkali Paddy Samrakshana Samithi, stated that officials took no action against the illegal retention of water, citing responsibilities related to the legislative elections. Consequently, the recommendations of the Kerala Agricultural University were ignored.
Scientific Process Disrupted
The traditional method requires fields to dry out completely under the intense summer heat of April, neutralizing chemical components used during fish farming and boosting production. Once the water is fully drained, the dry field beds transform into ridges and furrows by April. Subsequent summer rains remove residual salt, allowing rainwater from the monsoon to be collected for sowing. This scientific process has now been disrupted, as saltwater has not been drained and the fields remain wet.
Kalathinkal, a Pokkali paddy farmer from Chellanam, emphasized that unless fields are properly dried and prepared, sowing will not be effective. This has been the experience of many land-owning farmers.
Applicability of the Order
The order issued by the Ernakulam collector applies to the Kanayannur, Kochi, North Paravoor, Cherthala, and Kodungallur taluks, given her role as PLDA chairperson.
