POKKALI LAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Pokkali Land Development Agency (PLDA) was established to revitalize and promote paddy cultivation in the unique Pokkali lands across Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Alappuzha districts. These lands are characterized by special features such as waterlogging during cultivation, acidic soil, and the rising influence of seawater, which poses distinct challenges to farmers. The agency focuses on Pokkali farming, a time-honored, eco-friendly method of rice cultivation that has been practiced for generations in these coastal wetlands.

Founded in 1996 by the Kerala State Government, the Paddy Land Development Agency (PLDA) has played a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of paddy farming in Kerala’s wetland areas. Through detailed analysis and support, the agency has become a key advocate for Pokkali rice cultivation, addressing the specific challenges faced by farmers and promoting innovative solutions

PLDA’s work spans several critical areas, including climate change adaptation, market opportunities, socio-economic challenges, and the tourism potential of Pokkali farming. By focusing on these vital aspects, PLDA aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Pokkali farming, improving farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to the socio-economic and environmental well-being of the region.

DIRECTOR BOARD

Organisational Hierarchy

Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Minister of Kerala

P Prasad

Agriculture Minister of Kerala

Shri. N S K Umesh

Chairman-District collector of Ernakulam

P. V. Laju

Vice Chairman

    General Council:
    • Chairman: District Collector, Ernakulam
    • Vice Chairman: Sri. P. V. Laju(Address: Padamattummal House, Thiruthippuram PO, North Paravoor, Ernakulam -680667)
    Executive Committee:
    • Chairman: District Collector, Ernakulam
    • Vice Chairman: Sri. P. V. Laju
    • MLA, Palluruthi
    • MLA, Paravoor
    • Nominee of the Revenue Minister
    • Ernakulam District Panchayat President
    • Alappuzha District Panchayat President
    • Executive Engineer, KLDC (Alappuzha & Ernakulam)
    • Principal Agriculture Officer (Alappuzha & Ernakulam)
    • Secretary, PLDA
    Members
    • MLA, Ernakulam
    • MLA, Palluruthi
    • MLA, Thrippunithura
    • MLA, Paravoor
    • MLA, Aluva
    • MLA, Mala
    • Nominee of the SC-ST Minister
    • Nominee of the Fisheries Minister
    • Nominee of the Revenue Minister
    • Ernakulam District Panchayat President
    • Alappuzha District Panchayat President
    • Palluruthi Block Panchayat President
    • Kottuvalli Grama Panchayat President
    • Farmers’ Representatives:
      • Sri. N.K. Babu (Address: Nikathil House, Cherai PO, North Paravoor)
      • Sri. N. Parameswaran Nair (Address: Maniyil House, Ayyampilli PO, Vypin)
    • Other Members:
      • Executive Engineer, KLDC (Kerala Land Development Corporation),
        Alappuzha/Ernakulam
      • Principal Agriculture Officer, Alappuzha/Ernakulam

    OUR OBJECTIVES

    Enhance the production potential of Pokkali rice cultivatio

    Construct ditches, bunds, canals, boxes, and dams for efficient water drainage

    Build stable and efficient sluice gates to support cultivation processes

    Implement the production, distribution, and promotion of salt-resistant, high yielding rice varieties

    Provide farmers with the necessary tools and machinery to make farming more profitable and efficient

    Develop and promote sustainable rice and shrimp farming systems

    Ensure the timely distribution of essential production inputs

    Mandate single-flower rice cultivation in all existing Pokkali fields

    Coordinate and secure financial and technical assistance from relevant agencies and agricultural development units

    Introduce crop insurance for Pokkali farming

    Future Interventions of PLDA

    Empowering Farmers and Reviving Fallow Lands

    Implementing progressive measures to support existing Pokkali farmers while mobilizing fallow Pokkali lands back into cultivation.

    Integrating Pokkali into Precision Agriculture (PA)

    Leveraging the unique characteristics of Pokkali farming to incorporate it into Precision
    Agriculture services for enhanced productivity.

    Promoting Pokkali as a Model of Environmental Sustainability

    Conducting in-depth research on Pokkali farming as a sustainable model for mitigating sea erosion and protecting coastal ecosystems

    Exploring Pokkali as a coastal flooding and sea encroachment Solution

    Investigating Pokkali cultivation as a frontline defense mechanism against coastal flooding
    and sea encroachment.

    Positioning Pokkali as a Blue Carbon Habitat

    Highlighting and promoting Pokkali fields as vital blue carbon habitats that contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience.

    Fostering Collaboration in the Pokkali Sector

    Integrating and supporting organizations, individuals, and initiatives actively working to
    promote and sustain Pokkali farming.

    Enhancing Backward and Forward Linkages

    Providing targeted support to strengthen backward and forward integration efforts in
    Pokkali cultivation and value chains.

    Aligning with United Nations SDGs

    Driving growth and development in Pokkali farming while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring economic, social, and environmental benefits for Pokkali farmers.

     

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