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(THE GIST OF PIB) Pokkali

[November-2022]

The GI-tagged Pokkali is a saltwater-tolerant paddy endemic to central Kerala (grown in the coastal fields of Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts).

It is raised between June and November followed by a season of fish-farming.
After paddy’s harvest, the stubble in the fields acts as food and shelter for shrimp and small fish.
Fish excreta and scales, along with the decomposed stubble, provide excellent natural manure for another season of Pokkali.
However, this farming tradition is under threat due to fish farmers and shrimp cultivators disrupting crop calendar, high labour cost and poor returns.