Farming Practices

Rice cultivation occurs during the low salinity phase, generally from May-June to September-October. In contrast, aquaculture is carried out during the high salinity phase, typically from December to January.Soil mounds are prepared by mid-April and sluices (wooden gates) are repaired to regulate the water levels in the fields. The sluices control water flow during tidal changes, which is crucial for both rice cultivation and prawn farming. By mid-April, the soil mounds are dried and after April 14, sluices (water gates) are installed in the field to regulate water flow during tidal changes. Water channels and dikes are made followed by ploughing. The field is suitable for sowing once the monsoon has removed salt from the soil. The mounds act as elevated nursery beds, protecting the seedlings from flash floods.

A special method is adopted for sprouting the seeds. The seeds are tightly packed in baskets made of plaited coconut leaves, the inside of which is lined by banana or teak leaves. These baskets are then immersed in freshwater ponds for 12 to 15 hours. They are then taken out and stored in the shade. The radicle just sprouts and remains quiescent under this condition for more than 30 days. When the soil and weather conditions become favourable for sowing, the baskets containing the seeds are re-soaked for 3 to 6 hours before sowing. The mounds in the field are then raked and top-leveled. The sprouted seeds are sown on mounds, which act as an in situ nursery. When the seedlings reach a height of 40-45 cm (in 30-35 days), the mounds are cut into pieces with a few seedlings, which are uniformly spread in the field.