Pokkali Farmers Protest Saline Water Intrusion in Kodamthuruthu

Speedy Summary

• Pokkali farmers in Kodamthuruthu grama panchayat are protesting against the office-bearers of Changaram Vadakke Block and Pulitharamuri paddy polders in Ward 1.
• Farmers accuse the office-bearers of deliberately opening shutters, allowing saline water to infiltrate fields and disrupt land preparations for upcoming cultivation cycles.
• The Kari Nila Vikasana Agency instructed that pokkali fields be fully drained of saline water by April 15; however, this has yet to occur as of mid-July.
• Farmers allege that false claims about shutter repairs were used as an excuse to manipulate water levels, compounding challenges for both farmers and local residents.
• Complaints have been formally submitted to Agriculture Minister P. Prasad and the district governance seeking intervention.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This controversy highlights the difficulties faced by pokkali farmers due to mismanagement at administrative levels. The deliberate or negligent actions allegedly taken by office-bearers not only threaten seasonal crop yields but also pose broader risks such as soil salinity buildup,which could have long-term environmental consequences for agriculture in Kerala’s coastal regions. Since pokkali farming is a unique conventional method suited to saline environments, disruptions like these directly jeopardize sustainability efforts tied to local livelihoods and food security networks. Timely intervention from stakeholders, including government bodies, might be crucial in addressing concerns before further adverse economic or ecological impacts unfold.

Published July 16, 2025 | For more details: Click here