Mangrove Isle

                                                            

                                        Mangrove Nursery At Farm                                              

Mangroves propagation and establishment - Waste Land Reclamation – Management - Value Addition and Good Agriculture Practice Demonstration Centre – For Food security.

Fish – Mangroves – Duck – Poultry – Medicinal plants  - Animal Husbandry – Cashew – Coconut  -  Farm Tourism - Extension.

^1st July 2009

Neglected marshy sea water intruded paddy field. Varanapplly Pada Sekharam became unproductive due to sea water intrusion consequent to the opening of   Kayamkulam Ashi  for fishing harbor in 1989,  a man made disaster. Later on after Tsunami , sea water level further increased by one foot making the area suitable for brackish water fish culture.

Marshy Land  before development in 2009 June

3^rd April 2011

Successful pilot scale induction of Mangroves, Fish culture, Horticulture, Animal husbandry.

Overview

Devikulangara Panchayat on the eastern Coast of Kayamkulam Kayal , is rich in brackish water fish  resource like Karimeen , Konchu , Tilapia  etc. During early days, before the opening of Kayamkulam poshi to Ashi , It was paddy in the wet land  during Mundakan and Sesamom in summer .Unfortunately due to land degradation and many socio,political and economic interventions, paddy cultivation stopped and Sesamom as well. Farming  Community mostly depend on Coconut cultivation.

We propose appropriate alternative production technology for the efficient utilization of the degraded land to an integrated, model sustainable production unit to support food security.

The trials and initiatives so far undertaken were supported by Smt.Sajitha , Agriculture officer , Krishi Bhavan , Devikulangara, Dr.Anitha , Scientist , CPCRI , Kayamkulam, , Dr.Ravi , CPCRI kayakulam, Sri.Raju Francis IFS Assistant Conservator of Forest , Social Forestry Division , Alappuzha, Sri. Vijayan , Forester, Social Forestry , Alappuzha and Sri.Sreekumar , ADAK , Alappuzha .

  

Location

The site is close to Kayamkulam Kayal adjoining national waterways, Tsunami affected sea shore and fishing harbor.

The Location is rich in natural beauty with Lakes, back waters, migratory Birds etc. The project area is in the Onattukara area of Alappuzha District.

Eco farm is in and around Varanapplly Tharavadu were Sree Narayana Guru spent his young age to study Sanskrit from the age of 10 to 17. Visitors across the state are coming to see the place . Our farm will provide amenities and information to these visitors too.

An amount of Rs. 4 lakhs was spent for this purpose by the farm for renovating the pond used by Sree Narayana Guru during his student life. The renovation was done in memorial of Late Sri.K. Rajan ( Retired headmaster , Seceretary of Varanappally tharavadu for long period, a dedicated communist ) by Smt.Amminikutty - Wife of Late Sri.Rajan , Mini.K.rajan – Daughter , Anil.K.Rajan – Son , Reji Rani – Daughter and Anilkumar .M.R – Son in Law and owner of Eco farm.

                  

The memorial for Late Sri.Puthuppally Raghavan , Freedom Fighter , Writer and Communist -constructed by his family members , is adjacent to the farm with a good Library having excellent collection of references.

Sri.Binoy Viswam - Former Minister Visiting Puthuppally Raghavan Memmorial

Sri.Binoy viswam inaugarating Library

Library  open to researchers

Introduction

The theme of the  my project is Formation, Restoration and maintenance of water bodies, Back water changed to brackish due to construction of  Pulimuttu and opening natural barrier ( break water )  for fishing harbor.

Wetland conservation adjacent to Tsunami affected areas, rehabilitation through mangroves in line with that of Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the last Tsunami. During data collection & field survey we noticed Accumulation and washing out of toxic and bio waste into water bodies and   ground water affected – coconut trees are seriously affected – especially production and quality of coconuts.

  Impact of opening up of (Pozhi) by way of construction of small fishing harbors – ecosystem imbalance, salt intrusion, agro farming is totally disturbed, basic fish varieties vanished, land degradation, siltation.

Degrading  coastal ecosystems puts serious strain on the socio – economic well – being of society , and leaves it vulnerable to extreme events – as well as too apparent in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami . In order to ensure ecosystem productivity and continued support to human development, coastal ecosystem must be maintained and improved.

During the post independence period high priority was accorded to increase, agricultural production and productivity for providing food security to the people and as such; Reclamation of waterlogged areas, Strengthening of extension services etc were given priority apart from other components.

                        

Relevance of the Scheme

The relevance of the programme is to provide a centre for the public, a model waste land utilization and management unit. The need is to utilize man made water logged areas to productive purpose and support food security measures of the government. When Kayamkulam Azhi  became pozhi due to opening it for fishing harbor , sea water intruded into the paddy fields , salinity increased , low lying paddy fields were water logged  and the whole paddy field in the Panchayat became un productive.

 Objectives

The initiative adopts a new approach that re orients the limited focus on coastal investment. This approach means moving from a reactive response to land degradation, to progressive activities that address long-term sustainable management needs. These include building awareness and capacity for livelihood security, disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation. This new approach means supporting economic development by promoting sustainable investment opportunities and ensuring coastal ecosystem goods and services are properly valued and protected.

·       To develop model farm for strengthening degraded farm land.

·       To promote efforts in coastal ecosystem management.

·       To make more knowledge available

·       To empower institutions and people to use that knowledge.

·       To enable PRIs to participate effectively in decision – making and promote good governance in coastal areas.

Programme and scheduling

Fish culture is ongoing and this year we expect more seedlings for sale. Local varieties of fish harvested by traditional fishermen from back waters will be procured, cooked and served to visitors. Once the water villas and floating villas are completed we expect renting out these for overnight stay. During this stay, too discussions on fish culture, and integrated farming will be conducted. Also cultural program will be coordinated with the support of Anil, Panachooran, Poet from our family.

The whole project will be open to visitors from 1^st March 2012.

 Implementation  Methodology  

Farm will work to strengthen the broader frame works that influence people’s investment decisions and actions, and which enable or hinder environmentally sustainable marshy land close to coastal areas. Also the promoters in association with ADAK , Alappusha will take direct actions at field level required to manage degraded land sustainably, equitably and effectively.

Training and demonstration

Training on any one of the above mentioned subject will be organized in the farm. The department concerned will liaise with the promoters and conduct trainings, seminar etc.

Training on farm machinery and equipment will also be given in Association with Agricultural Engineering Wing .Enough land is available for this purpose.

Project management and Monitoring

The promoter have 18 years experience in Agriculture, Three years as CEO in Kerala PSU, Four years International experience and  related experience. The project management will be the sole responsibility of the promoter who has 33 years experience in related field.

 Components of the Farm

The components are suggested with multi pronged approach. The main component is fish culture and related amenities and infrastructure development in line with village fish farm Tourism.

  Agriculture

Different agricultural practices are ongoing on trial basis.

a. Fisheries

Many brackish water fish stock are under severe threat in and around Kayamkulam Kayal. High population growth, compounded by migration into coastal areas, has led to increasing demands on back water fish resources. The situation is aggravated by uncoordinated economic development and extraction of natural resources. Not all of these pressures are local in origin. Many unsustainable demands on brackish water fish resources arise from global trends and actions, and are driven by markets and forces outside the region. Consumer demand, conflict of interests weak governance have resulted in a failure to implement or enforce policies at regional levels, often with grave consequences for the environment and well being of communities.

We have regenerated artificial ponds from own earth by dredging and protecting the outer bunds with mangroves seedlings ,coconut piles,   and fish culture was done, successfully. The whole quantity was consumed by coastal community. The harvest was good and acquired a net profit of Rs. 35000/-. The message has gone to whole villagers. The costs of capital investment for permanent infrastructures were not taken into account. Everybody appreciated including PRIs leaders. This success story was being monitored and advises received from Dr. Anitha ,CPCRI kayamkulam from inception.

   

b.Animal Husbandry

We have tried goat rearing on a trial basis in temporary shed with four Female and one Male Jamuna Pari . After six months, two gave  birth and the population increased to seven , but we lost two young ones because of premature delivery of the third one. But we were successful and sold about 4 liters milk per day to the society.

 This success story, we wish to develop with appropriate, infrastructure and capital investment. This includes purchase of highbred variety and goat shed with water and light connection. Procurement from local vendors or from private farms are very expensive and the whole process will not be cost effective and hence become less attractive. Here we require Govt: intervention to support for the procurement of Goats.

c.  Poultry

On a trial basis we have reared few chics to the tune of about 20 numbers. It was quite encouraging for local variety; there was good demand for eggs. We would need infrastructure, capital investment for  rearing 50 numbers local variety .

d.       Ducks

So far we have good and bad experience related to the subject. Corrective steps are taken and now going smooth.

Case study

From the inception of our farm we were fond of ducks for the simple reason that the location suits duckery to many extent. We procured 150 ducklings from a street vendor at balaramapuram , who is supplying ducklings from Tamilnadu. We couldn’t trace him after the purchse.The ducklings were taken to Kayamkulam , every days one by one died and recovery was zero . The total loss around Rs. 4000/-.we would like to share this experience through our technology dissemination centre.

                       

After the failure we procured ducks through one of our friend in kuttanad and the mission went successful earning around 10 eggs per day.We also approached CPCRI and received advises from Dr.Anitha and Dr,Ravi of CPCRI, kayamkulam. Cages were constructed in the pond so that the excreta or droppings will go directly to the pond and act as feed or create algae for creating favorable condition for fish. The cage was kept clean and hygiene maintained.

This technology will be upgraded and disseminated to farmers during their visit and classes conducted by experts on demand.

We have already constructed cages in the ponds. The droppings are stimulants to fish feed and water conditioning.

We require some support from veterinary department in time for vaccination etc which is very difficult to get.

There is enough open area for duck rearing.

e. Mangroves Propagation

Our Motto -           Restore mangroves – Sequester Carbon.

Our Stock:   ( a )  - Two year old mangroves – 500 nos.

                      (b )   - One year old mangroves – 10000 nos.

What is happening at the International Level?

Mangroves for the future ( MFF ) was launched by Bill Clinton in Phuket in December 2006. MFF is a unique partnership – led initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystem.

As a pilot scale induction of mangrove seedlings, for understanding the responsiveness to our 30-32 ppt saline water, we have planted 500 seedling procured through social forestry division Alappusha. The support from ACF and forester vijayan was quite encouraging.

Current rates of mangrove loss are roughly estimated at around 150,000 hectares (370,050 acres) per year, or about 1% per annum (according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization - FAO).

Mangrove loss = Loss of carbon sequestration potential

Almost 225,000 metric tons of carbon sequestrations potential are lost each year with current rates of mangrove destruction.

Mangroves take up (sequester) approximately:

• 1.5 metric tons/hectare/yr of carbon

• 3.7 lbs/acre/day of carbon (1336 lbs/acre/yr)

Disturbed mangrove soils release greater than an additional 11 million metric tons of carbon annually.

Calculate the mangrove area necessary to absorb your vehicle emissions!

Oxidation and release of stored mangrove carbon

Layers of soil and peat which make up the mangrove substrate have a high carbon content of 10% or more. Each hectare of mangrove sediment might contain nearly 700 metric tons of carbon per meter depth. When disturbed, carbon is released back into the atmosphere, further contributing to increased carbon emissions.

In developing large area, ranging in area from 1/2 hectare to several hectares in size, approximately 2 meters of sediment are dug out.

Clearing of mangroves and subsequent excavation of the mangrove substrate for indiscriminate development could result in the potential oxidation of 1,400 tons of carbon per ha.

According to Dr. Jin Eong Ong of the Universiti Sams in Malaysia, “Assuming that only half of this will become oxidized over a period of 10 years, we are looking at the return of 70 tons of carbon per hectare per year for ten years to the atmosphere.

"This is some 50 times the sequestration rate. This means that by destruction of a mere 2% of mangroves, all of the advantages of mangroves as a sink of atmospheric carbon will be lost…”(source – data collected from  internet  resources )

Planting saplings received from social forestry , Alappusha.

Mangroves protecting outer bund.

Development of trunks from Mangrove sapling after one year of planting . Visible to children.

f.    Mangrove Nursery ( Seedlings Generation )

Globally mangroves provide more than 10 percent of the essential dissolved organic carbon that is supplied to the ocean from Land, yet less than one percent of the worlds mangroves are protected adequately.In several Asian countries mangrove loss has exceeded 60 percent in recent decades

     

       different stages of mangrove seedling generation.

 

Removing excess water to avoid submerging under during high tide.

Seeds start responding to our location

Forest official visit our mangrove nursery.

Village fish farm tourism

Efforts are being initiated for the demonstration of Bio fencing of water bodies through mangroves. Medicinal plants varieties – to know the best species which grow in the region- soil type, irrigation. Education and awareness creation among younger generation on the environmental impacts and aforestation needed for the area with real case histories.

Visits to the site from schools to create environmental awareness

     

School children visiting mangrove nursery in early stages

Visit of different group of Students on 24/12/2009

      

      

Family members  Visit

Thick vegetative growth generated on the outer bund with cashew, plantains, vegetables and other variety of plants. The outer and inner bund need protection for holding the sand, landscaping and provide permanent fencing. Bund protection with hard laterite masonry and plastic coated high quality nets are necessary for visitors and children for safety .We expect good amount of revenue from visitor’s fee. So the sustainability of farm and visitors safety is foremost.

Application of Feramon keni helped to recover mango from pest attack. The family is happy during their week end farm visit.

 High brid cashew varieties provided by Dr.Sheela of Kerala Agriculturala University from Madakkathara.

Toddy Tapping

In and around Devikulangara Panchayat  we have toddy tappers. The visitors to the farm will be provided with first hand knowledge on toddy taping and also the economics and value addition. One palm in the farm will be given to the local toddy tapper. As and when required toddy can be procured from him for consumption on  a buy back arrangement to prepare Kallappam the Traditional cuisine . The whole process will be executed abiding Kerakla Abkari Act or such rules and regulations so that both ends are benefitted.

            Medicinal Plants

           

Constraints

Lack of Govt.Support , Negative approach from buerocracy, Financing institutions , Enforcement agencies ,Climate change , procedural delays , media publicity , opposition from real estate developers etc are anticipated along with unprecedented pest attack on vegetation , bacteria attack on fish , disease on animals are expected.

Available infrastructure

Outer Bunds

The outer bunds with excavated sand protected temporarily by mangrove anchored by coconut piles are already there. But due to heavy rain and run off strong protection is required.The formation was bit difficult for me because of stiff ressistance from local poliyicians , medias , panchayat , revenue authoristies , agriculture department and media. The following pictures shows how the development was done overcoming all the above anti development propaganda .

Ponds

Four Ponds are large and deep in the centre. Further deepening is not required. Infrastructure development and water sports accessories along  with fishing equipment are to be inducted to satisfaction of visitors.  

Hut

We have constructed a thatched temporary traditional hut as demonstration model to highlight the use of coconut leaves.

Medicinal plants

We have planted medicinal plants of different varieties

                

Duck Cage

Goose

The Goose is excellent watchers. We are treating them as our security personnel.  Once they start regular egg laying, production of chicks and income generation starts. There is lot of enquiry for goose eggs. We can mange them without any additional expenditure.

Land scaping

The whole garden land area requires land scaping for which raising the land with cut gravel for @ 45 cm in height is necessary. This will stop run of loose sandy soil along with soil nutrients. This run of is regular problem faced in Onattukara area but in our panchayat the situation is worst. Also to provide a green cover with carpet grass designed and beautiful landscaping will be done. All the palms, medicinal plants and other trees and plants will be protected and conserved along with landscaping work.

Better ambience, impressing reception     with beautiful flowers, receive our guests and not personnel in suits.

Irrigation Drip  Sprinkler

There is acute shortage of irrigation and drinking water in our panchayat as that in any other coastal area of Kerala. For this, efficient water usage at the most economical way is proposed.

Scope of the project

Converting waste land to cost effective farming practice with good agriculture practice to achieve food security will be demonstrated at every nook and corner of the project area. The public will utilize this information to make replicas at their locations on a location specific need based manner.

Social and economical impact

Over all development of the similar locations in kerala  can adopt the technology and act as a model sustainable food security project.

Employment generation among local public. Supply of local indigenous food produces.                        

 

We , Anilkumar.M.R,Mini.K.Rajan, Rahul Sreekumar,Arya Rahul and Ramu Anil request our friends and relatives to offer your sincere comments and high light our initiative in appropriate forums.

Contact:

Anilkumar .M.R

Neelima, Puthupally P.O

Kayamkulam, Kerala.

E-Mail : bambooanil@gmail.com

Phone: +919847968183