Author: thanal

Rice diversity in Asia is significant as it supports food security for over two billion people. Traditional practices play a crucial role in rice cultivation in Southeast Asia by ensuring sustainable farming methods, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining cultural heritage. These practices, such as using hand tools for harvesting and selecting
seed rice, help to enhance crop resilience and adapt to local environmental conditions. Furthermore, they foster community involvement and knowledge sharing, which are essential for the continuity of rice farming traditions.

At Thanal Agroecology Centre, Wayanad, some of the rice varieties collected and conserved include short-term varieties , medium-term varieties and long-term varieties Overall, the center conserves around 300+ traditional rice varieties.

Agroecological practices that can help mitigate the effects of climate change on rice cultivation include zero or reduced tillage, intercropping, crop rotation, mulching, organic farming, and the use of rice cultivars with low methane emissions. Additionally, practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and recycling farm waste into
organic fertilizers can also be beneficial. These methods promote resilience and sustainability in rice farming systems.
1. Cultural Significance: Rice is integral to Asian cultures, symbolizing fertility and sustenance.
2. Political Importance: It constitutes 40%-80% of caloric intake and is vital for food security in Asia.
3. Economic Role: Over 2 billion people rely on rice; it supports diverse agricultural systems and trade.
4. Climate Change Threats: Rice farming is affected by climate change, contributing to methane emissions.
5. Conservation Efforts: Initiatives focus on reviving drought and flood-resistant rice varieties to ensure sustainability.

Rice Diversity in Asian Bowls

An Analysis of the Economic and NonEconomic Losses and Damages (ELD and NELD) Incurred By Farmers due to Climate Change in Meenangadi, Wayanad

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the significant impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector, with a specific focus on Meenangadi in Wayanad, Kerala, one of the most affected regions. It evaluates both economic and non-economic losses (ELD & NELD) experienced by local farmers as a result of climate-induced events. The findings reveal that climate change affects not only agricultural productivity and infrastructure but also the social, cultural, and emotional well-being of farming communities.

The methodology used for this study is the FAO Damage and Losses (D&L) method, which was conducted in 2023, to estimate economic losses and the Garrett Ranking method to estimate noneconomic losses. Data were gathered from 120 farmers across different areas of Meenangadi to assess the actual consequences of climate events such as floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns. Reported economic losses include crop failure, damage to homes, and loss of farm
equipment. Non-economic losses identified in the study include migration, psychological distress, erosion of traditional knowledge, and biodiversity loss.

Climate change has significantly reduced the yields of major crops in Meenangadi and led to a drastic decline in arable land. The study found that the cultivated area has decreased to one-third of its original size. Once-abundant paddy fields are rapidly vanishing, and traditional rice varieties are nearing extinction. Arecanut, another important crop in the region, has been problematic particularly after the devastating floods of 2018. Presently, many farmers struggle with its management. Moreover, agricultural lands are increasingly being converted into construction sites, further threatening local food systems.

The study focuses on non-economic losses, which are hard to measure but strongly affect farmers’ lives and are often ignored in climate studies. It recommends further research to understand the full scope of these losses and suggests data-driven mitigation strategies. Collaboration between local governments, civil society organizations, and NGOs is identified as crucial for addressing these challenges effectively.

One of the key findings is the untapped potential of avocado farming. Although avocado trees are commonly grown in household compounds in Meenangadi, they are not adequately marketed. The study highlights the opportunity to strengthen farmers’ incomes through the promotion of complementary activities such as fruit marketing, pig farming, and aquaculture.

This report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, local institutions, and community stakeholders seeking sustainable and inclusive solutions to climate-related agricultural challenges. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated and collaborative action to safeguard agriculture, a critical source of livelihood in vulnerable regions like Meenangadi.

ELD & NELD

കാര്‍ബണ്‍ തുലിത മീനങ്ങാടി
മൂല്യനിര്‍ണ്ണയവും നിര്‍ദ്ദേശങ്ങളും

കാലാവസ്ഥ വ്യതിയാനം ലോകത്താകമാനം പാരിസ്ഥിതിക ആഘാതങ്ങൾ സൃഷ്ടിക്കുകയാണ്. പശ്ചിമഘട്ടത്തിലെ പരിസ്ഥിതിലോല പ്രദേശങ്ങൾ ഉൾപ്പെടുന്നതിനാൽ കാലാവസ്ഥാവ്യതിയാനത്തിന്റെ പ്രത്യാഘാതങ്ങൾക്ക് ദുർബല
മായുള്ള ജില്ലയാണ് വയനാട്. കാലാവസ്ഥാ വ്യതിയാനം ഇതിനോടകം തന്നെ ജനങ്ങളെയും അവരുടെ ഉപജീവന മാർഗ്ഗത്തെയും സാരമായി ബാധിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. കാർബൺ തുലിത സുസ്ഥിര വികസനം എന്ന ആശയത്തെ തദ്ദേശസ്ഥാപനത്തിൽ പ്രാവർത്തികമാക്കുകയാണ് കാർബൺ ന്യൂട്രൽ മീനങ്ങാടി എന്ന പദ്ധതി. വിദ്യാഭ്യാസമേഖലക്കും പദ്ധതി ആസൂത്രണ സമിതികള്‍ക്കും സാങ്കേതിക വിദഗ്ദ്ധര്‍ക്കും കാര്‍ബണ്‍തുലിത വികസനത്തെപ്പറ്റിയുള്ള വിവരങ്ങള്‍ മനസ്സിലാക്കാനും കേരളത്തിലെ ഗ്രാമങ്ങളും ജില്ലകളും കാര്‍ബണ്‍ ബഹിര്‍ഗമനം കുറഞ്ഞ വികസന മാതൃകയിലേക്ക് മാറ്റാൻ സഹായിക്കുന്ന വിവരങ്ങളും അടങ്ങിയ ഒരു പുസ്‌തകമാണ് “കാര്‍ബണ്‍ തുലിത മീനങ്ങാടി മൂല്യനിര്‍ണ്ണയവും നിര്‍ദ്ദേശങ്ങളും” എന്നത്. കാര്‍ബണ്‍ ബഹിര്‍ഗമനം ലഘൂകരിച്ച് കാര്‍ബണ്‍ തുലിത അവസ്ഥയിലേക്ക് എത്തിക്കാന്‍ യുണൈറ്റഡ്നേഷന്‍സിന്റെ കാലാവസ്ഥാവ്യതിയാനത്തെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള പഠനങ്ങളെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാക്കിയാണ് ഈ പുസ്തകം രൂപപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നത്.

കാര്‍ബണ്‍ തുലിത മീനങ്ങാടി മൂല്യനിര്‍ണ്ണയവും നിര്‍ദ്ദേശങ്ങളും

Agronari – Celebrating Women Farmers and Agroecology

In a world where farming is often seen as a male-dominated sector, Agronari brings forth the powerful, yet often overlooked, stories of women farmers who are transforming Kerala’s agricultural landscape. This collection of inspiring narratives showcases the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women who have embraced agroecology to reclaim their role in food production, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

From organic farming and seed conservation to value-added enterprises and community-driven markets, these women are at the forefront of a movement that challenges conventional agriculture. Despite systemic barriers such as land ownership inequality and limited access to resources, they have built thriving farms, nurtured indigenous crops, and pioneered sustainable solutions to food security challenges.

These women are not only restoring soil fertility and food sovereignty through agroecology but also reshaping the agricultural economy by advocating for their rights, organizing farmer collectives, and building market access. Their success underscores the urgent need for policies that recognize and support women’s leadership in farming.

Published with the support of Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP), Agronari is a tribute to the resilience, wisdom, and leadership of women farmers. It is more than a book—it is a call to action for a just and sustainable food system where both traditional knowledge and gender equity are at the core of agricultural transformation.

Agronari – Celebrating Women Farmers and Agroecology

CARBON NEUTRAL WAYANAD

(GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS)

Carbon Neutral Wayanad Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessment and Recommendations

                    BECOMING CARBON NEUTRAL  

‘Becoming Carbon Neutral- A handbook for Local Self Governments in Kerala’ is a comprehensive guide for local government bodies in the state of Kerala to achieve carbon neutrality. It is based on the concept of low-carbon development put forward by the United Nations  Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The handbook explains in detail the concept of low-carbon/low-emission development, steps to integrate it into the development plans for local self governments and the ways to achieve carbon neutrality.

 Becoming Carbon Neutral