Speech on occasion of Karshaka Sangamam at Moncombu, Alappuzha on 29th May 2010

I am glad and feel honoured to be here on this occasion. I wish all success to Deepika News Bureau.

Alappuzha district alongwith Kuttanad region was chosen by the Ministry of Agriculture for special consideration in view of the prevailing agrarian distress and MS Swaminathan Research Foundation was asked to go into the economic and ecological problems of the Alappuzha district as well as Kuttanad Wetland Ecosystem as a whole.

Swaminathan Research Foundation submitted the report to the Government of India on 8th May, 2008 which was accepted by the Government in-toto on 27th July, 2008. Prof. Swaminathan has done a commendable job. This report in fact contains a malady-remedy analysis of the problems one hand and on the other hand suggests potential solutions.

Kuttanad Wetland Ecosystem, particularly the Vembanad Kayal is receiving world-wide attention because nature is at the peak of its beauty in this Ramsar site. Kuttanad wetlands are unique because in large area, rice cultivation is being done in 2 m below the sea level. There is greater challenge before the people to conserve and enhance the beauty and bounty of this ecosystem by creating an economic stake in its conservation.

The Government has granted ‘in-principle’ approval for providing financial support of Rs.1840.75 crores for implementing various programmes/ interventions for development of Kuttanad Wetland Eco-system. Major components are for the development of infrastructure for paddy cultivation for which the projected amount is Rs. 1398 crores, followed by agriculture and allied sectors (Rs. 352 crores) and environment sector (Rs. 90 crores). Under infrastructure development, strengthening of padasekharam – based infrastructure like outer bund and associated structure are given maximum importance followed by restoration of canals, drains and water bodies.

The five tasks under the Environment sector are the Protection and ecological restoration of the water spread area, measures for pollution control, total elimination of aquatic weeds, measures for augmenting biodiversity in the backwaters and improving health and sanitation.

The eight tasks grouped under agriculture and allied sectors are declaring Kuttanad as a Special Agricultural Zone, enforcing a crop calendar, strengthening research and extension, strengthening economic viability, coconut based enterprises and integrated farming, action to promote fishery wealth of Vembanad Kayal, promoting fishery infrastructure, capacity and fishermen welfare, farm tourism and part of infrastructure support for paddy.

Infrastructure projects included are development of infrastructure for paddy cultivation, restoration of rivers, canals, drains and water bodies, construction of permanent salt water barriers, modernization of Thannermukkom barrage, improving the efficiency of Thottappally spill way, regulation of flood water in Kayal area near C&D and Rani-chithira block, construction of AC canal and supporting a research study on Thanneermukkom Barrage and its ecological aspects.

With the implementation of the package, livelihood security of the farm, fisher and other families living in this area will be strengthened through better infrastructure and multiple avenues of market driven income earning opportunities. I am very much impressed and influenced by the indomitable never-say-die spirit and commitment of the people towards the development of their homeland. This package cannot be accomplished without continuous support and effective participation by farmers, farm-women, fishermen, farm labourers, mass media and civilian. I request your cooperation and support.

Implementation of this package with greater pace is one of the priority areas of my Department and the State Government. To ensure it, progress of the implementation is monitored by Kuttunad and Alappuzha Prosperity Council (KAPCO) which is chaired by the Chief Minister. In addition Task Implementation and Management Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary and Project Management Unit functions at district level to fast track the implementation process of Kuttanad package.

I personally take interest to see that the problems faced by the State Government in effective implementation of Kuttanad package are addressed expeditiously. At the Central Government level, a Coordination Committee under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture has been set up to regularly review the progress of implementation of Kuttanad package. This Committee interacts with State Government other implementing Ministries/Departments in Government of India. I am glad to know that the State Government is also showing keen interest and enthusiasm towards the implementation of this package. So far, projects amounting to Rs.252.69 crore under Kuttanad package have been approved by the concerned Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India. I would urge the State Government to submit more projects under Kuttanad package. I once again request for your full cooperation in ensuring effective implementation of the package so that the development of area as envisaged in the report of Swaminathan Foundation is realized.

Thank you.