Second crop to cover more land in Kuttanad

ALAPPUZHA: The Kuttanad farmers are planning to bring more areas under the second crop  with the Puncha season coming to an end. The auction of paddy fields has already begun as part of this.

Mr A.G. Abdul Kareem, principal agricultural officer, said that second crop would be launched in over 12,000 hectares  compared to 10,000 last year. It gives high yield and is less expensive. The only risk factor is climatic change. Usually, Kuttanad faces  two flood situations  during June-July. To avoid it, the farmers have begun strengthening the outer bunds, the officer said.     

The paddy fields in Polepadam, Kombanattukari, Veeyapuram, Munduthodu, Polathuruthu, Achanari, Kutankari and Kattakuzhi are set for the second crop.  It is being launched at Munduthodu  after an interval of three decades.

Joji Arupara , president, Irupathinaalaayiram Padasekhara Samithy, said the farmers were  encouraged to go for second crop as Kuttanad did not have damaging floods for the last two years.  They  were also given a subsidy of Rs 1,900 per hectare.  As many as 193 farmers have already registered for the second crop, he said.  At least six-seven tonnes of paddy per hectare  can be reaped from the second crop.