The Pokkali Samrakshana Samithi, a combine of people engaged in conserving and increasing the utilisation of pokkali paddy fields in the State, has slammed the district administration for only paying lip service to the cause of pokkali paddy cultivation, which has received geographical indication registration for its unique qualities. Rajamanickam had declared that 500 acres of pokkali fields would be brought under cultivation this season in Chellanam panchayat. The Samithi alleged that the official machinery was not implementing the regulations in existence to protect pokkali farming. The statement also said shrimp farming in pokkali fields should end by April 15 every year and salt water should be pumped and fields allowed to dry. Into the hands of the lobbyHowever, pokkali fields have fallen into the hands of the shrimp farming lobby, which seeks to maximize profit by not allowing pokkali cultivation so that there is shrimp farming throughout the year, the Samithi has alleged.

Source: The Hindu August 22, 2016 02:37 UTC