Challenges for Pokkali ecosystem-Multistakeholder perspective

The Pokkali integrated farming system is a unique agro-ecosystem that combines traditional rice cultivation with fish and prawn farming in the brackish water fields of Kerala. This sustainable farming practice, predominantly found in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts, follows a cyclic pattern where rice is cultivated during the low-salinity phase, and aquaculture is practiced during the high-salinity phase. However, this system faces numerous challenges threatening its economic viability and sustainability. It has witnessed a drastic decline from 25,000 ha to less than 5,000 ha due to various reasons. This study identifies and ranks these challenges based on farmers' and other stakeholders' perceptions in Ernakulam district, as it holds 64% of Pokkali land in Kerala.Primary data was collected from 320 respondents, including 200 farmers practicing different farming systems and 120 respondents from different stakeholder groups, and data were analyzed using R software. Developmental activities were identified as the most significant threat to the Pokkali ecosystem conservation. In Pokkali rice cultivation, the purple moorhen attack was identified as a major threat, while viral diseases posed the greatest challenge to prawn/fish farming. The pokkali rice-fish integrated system was impacted by low profitability and land and water management issues. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions is crucial for the sustainability of this unique agro-ecosystem. Policymakers and stakeholders must focus on improving management strategies for fish and prawn farming, as well as mechanization and market access for pokkali rice, to enhance the resilience and profitability of this traditional farming practice.