Kerala MP Kodikunnil Suresh Urges Special Central Aid for Kuttanad

Speedy Summary:

• Kodikunnil Suresh,MP from Mavelikara,has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh chouhan requesting a special Central package for Kuttanad.
• Kuttanad, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is recognised by FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
• This region uniquely practices large-scale below-sea-level farming,supporting paddy cultivation,inland fisheries,duck rearing,and eco-tourism.
• Kuttanad faces challenges such as frequent floods,salinity intrusion,climate-change impacts leading to distress migration of farmers and livelihood threats.
• mr. Suresh highlighted the limited impact of previously sanctioned Kuttanad Packages I & II due to stalled or inadequately funded projects.
• He proposed an urgent complete package for sustainable progress encompassing disaster resilience and agriculture-based livelihoods while advocating eco-tourism promotion.
• Inviting Mr. chouhan for an on-ground visit coordinated with local stakeholders and the State government was also part of his request.

Published – September 10, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The request by Kodikunnil Suresh underscores the pressing need to address ecological fragility in an internationally important agricultural zone like Kuttanad. The region’s recognition by FAO exemplifies its cultural and economic value not just for Kerala but for India at large. Despite being heralded as critical to sustainable agricultural practices within unique ecosystems, repeated systemic challenges like flooding persist due to inadequate implementation or funding gaps in earlier packages.

A holistic intervention could possibly stabilize livelihoods connected to diverse industries such as paddy farming and duck rearing while together promoting tourism aligned with sustainable goals. Though, any package would necessitate robust collaboration between Central authorities and state-level stakeholders alongside consistent follow-through mechanisms-lessons learned from prior incomplete interventions must inform future plans.

Kuttanad stands symbolically tied not only with local heritage but also broader visions inspired by pioneers like M.S. Swaminathan aimed at inclusive agricultural models; securing its prosperity may hold implications beyond regional boundaries.

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