Vembanad lake (file photo)
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Ernakulam District Panchayat will consider restoration of Vembanadu Lake ecosystem and conservation of traditional Pokkali farms as its future development initiatives, President K G Radhakrishnan has said.
He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as part of the nation-wide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.
Highlighting the body’s upcoming plans, he said a comprehensive study will be carried out to formulate a viable proposal, including the Vembanadu restoration and Pokkali conservation, with an aim to boost the agriculture and allied activities in the district.
Radhakrishnan also announced plans to explore farm tourism in the district. The 235-acre farm of the District Panchayat at Neriamangalam will be developed into a Centre of Excellence by tapping its potential of farm tourism, he said, adding that steps would also be taken to strengthen urban horticulture in the district.
Emphasising the importance of restoring soil fertility, the District Panchayat President urged stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices, including soil test-based fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management and greater use of organic manures alongside chemical fertilizers.
In an effort to make farming profitable, he suggested integrated farming systems aligned with market demand, saying it would be more sustainable and profitable than conventional mono-cropping practices.
CMFRI Director Grinson George presided over the function. The workshop called for promoting balanced fertilizer application to ensure soil conservation through sustainable farming practices. It also featured modern urban farming techniques suitable for limited spaces, including rooftop gardening, vertical farming, nutrition gardens, micro-greens, soilless cultivation, aqua-ponics and precision farming.
Published on July 1, 2026
