The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System in Kerala is a remarkable farming method that emphasizes rice cultivation below sea level. Recently, soil tests in Kuttanad's paddy fields revealed alarming levels of aluminium concentrations, raising concerns about its impact on agriculture.
This unique agricultural system is characterized by a complex mosaic of agricultural landscapes, which can be divided into three main categories:
Kuttanad's farming system is recognized as a part of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This recognition underscores its significance in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The rising levels of aluminium in soil can have detrimental effects on plant health. When soil pH falls below five, aluminium becomes more soluble and toxic. Excessive aluminium can damage plant root systems, severely hindering the absorption of essential nutrients such as:
The GIAHS program, initiated by the FAO during the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002, aims to preserve agricultural practices that balance conservation, sustainable adaptation, and socioeconomic development. In India, notable GIAHS include:
Q1. What is the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System?
Answer: The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System is a unique farming method in Kerala that allows rice cultivation below sea level, characterized by diverse agricultural landscapes.
Q2. What are the impacts of aluminium on plants?
Answer: Excessive aluminium can damage plant roots and inhibit the absorption of vital nutrients like phosphorus and calcium, affecting overall plant health.
Q3. Why is Kuttanad recognized as a GIAHS?
Answer: Kuttanad is recognized as a GIAHS due to its unique agricultural practices that promote biodiversity and sustainable farming methods in a below-sea-level ecosystem.
Q4. What are the key features of GIAHS?
Answer: GIAHS aims to preserve agricultural heritage that balances environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and socioeconomic development.
Q5. What other regions in India are recognized as GIAHS?
Answer: Other recognized GIAHS in India include the Koraput region in Odisha and the Saffron Park of Kashmir, known for their unique agricultural practices.
Question 1: What is the primary agricultural product of the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System?
A) Wheat
B) Rice
C) Barley
D) Millets
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What happens to aluminium levels in soil when pH drops below five?
A) It becomes less toxic
B) It becomes more soluble and toxic
C) It promotes plant growth
D) It has no effect
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization recognizes the GIAHS?
A) WHO
B) FAO
C) UNESCO
D) IMF
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is one major impact of excessive aluminium on plants?
A) Enhances nutrient absorption
B) Damages root systems
C) Increases soil fertility
D) Promotes photosynthesis
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which state in India has the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Kerala
D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What does GIAHS aim to balance?
A) Traditional and modern farming
B) Conservation and socioeconomic development
C) Agricultural and industrial growth
D) Urban and rural development
Correct Answer: B
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