Munroe Thuruthu aims novel agriculture model

KOLLAM: Munroe Thuruthu, that was badly hit by the floods with the saline water from Ashtamudi inundating the agriculture in the village, is on the revival path. The panchayat has initiated saline-resistant Pokkali and Ezhome rice varieties combined with milk fish (poomeen) and prawn cultivation in the fields.

“In 1980s, Munroe Thuruthu had some 150 acres of lake-paddy cultivation as the area experienced the presence of saline water for just three or four months. After the construction of Thenmala dam across Kallada river combined with the unusual high tide, we get fresh water only for a few months. This has made paddy cultivation impossible,” said Binu Karunakaran, Munroe Thuruthu panchayat president.

“We have now made an innovative attempt to cultivate saline-resistant paddy and fish cultivation in a single field. The new model put forward by Munroe Thuruthu panchayat will help execute food security and ensure safe food,” he added.

Currently, the panchayat has started sample cultivation in one hectare which will be spread across after assessing the outcome. The cultivation is being done with the panchayat’s plan fund of Rs 3 lakh. The farmer is provided with seeds and labour cost for the cultivation.

The paddy cultivation is overseen by Krishi Bhavan in the panchayat and Kerala agricultural university regional research centre, Pattambi, while the fish cultivation is by Kollam fish farming development agency. The panchayat expects a yield of 1.5 tonnes of rice, 250 kg of prawn and 500 kg of milk fish from a hectare of cultivation.