India’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Gain Policy and Community Support

The Kuttanad farming system in Kerala, often referred to as the “rice bowl of Kerala,” stands out as the only major agricultural system in India situated below sea level.

India, with its rich agrarian history, is home to three globally recognized farming landscapes that have been designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These sites—the Koraput region in Odisha, the Kuttanad farming system in Kerala, and the Saffron Heritage of Kashmir—represent centuries-old traditions of sustainable agriculture that integrate biodiversity conservation, community knowledge, and unique ecological practices.

Koraput: A Living Repository of Paddy Diversity and Tribal Knowledge

The Koraput region of Odisha is renowned for its subsistence paddy cultivation carried out on highland slopes, where indigenous communities have preserved a remarkable diversity of landraces and farmer-developed varieties. This region is not only a hotspot of rice genetic wealth but also harbors numerous medicinal plants and traditional food crops that form the backbone of tribal diets.

The Government of Odisha has reported multiple initiatives to safeguard this invaluable heritage. These include the conservation of biodiversity, the revival of neglected and forgotten crops, and the promotion of organic farming practices. Community-led seed banks are also being strengthened to ensure that traditional landraces are preserved and shared among farmers. Branding and value addition efforts are underway to create market recognition for Koraput’s indigenous products, thereby linking conservation with economic growth.

Kuttanad: Below-Sea-Level Farming in Kerala

The Kuttanad farming system in Kerala, often referred to as the “rice bowl of Kerala,” stands out as the only major agricultural system in India situated below sea level. This wetland ecosystem integrates paddy farming, coconut cultivation, fishing, and shell collection, making it a unique example of multi-use landscapes that sustain both livelihoods and ecological balance.

In the current year, the Government of Kerala has included two major projects under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-DPR) for Kuttanad’s development. The first, titled Haritam Harippad, focuses on infrastructure development across Padasekharams (paddy fields) in Alappuzha District, while the second supports research into the ecological utilization of invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Kuttanad’s waterways. These initiatives not only address agricultural productivity but also emphasize ecological management and sustainability.

Saffron Heritage of Kashmir: Reviving a Golden Crop

The Saffron Park of Kashmir, famous for its centuries-old saffron cultivation, is another globally important agro-pastoral system recognized by the FAO. Characterized by organic farming, intercropping practices, and soil health preservation, saffron cultivation is deeply tied to the cultural identity and economic well-being of local communities.

To revive this heritage, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has rolled out extensive support under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). These schemes aim to boost saffron production, improve post-harvest infrastructure, and strengthen branding efforts to reclaim Kashmir’s position in the global saffron market.

Policy Recognition and National Support

These initiatives reflect the synergy between global recognition and national policies, ensuring that traditional farming systems not only survive but thrive in the modern economy. The GIAHS programme emphasizes sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and community participation, while Indian government schemes provide the necessary funding, research backing, and infrastructural support.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving these unique agricultural systems. The combined efforts of the FAO, state governments, and local communities are expected to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of these landscapes in the face of climate change and economic challenges.

Significance for India and the World

The recognition of Koraput, Kuttanad, and Kashmir as GIAHS sites places India on the global map of agricultural heritage conservation. These systems not only ensure food and nutritional security for millions but also preserve traditional knowledge systems, ecological wisdom, and cultural identities.

By promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting community institutions like seed banks, and enhancing market access, India is setting a precedent in linking heritage agriculture with modern development pathways. These efforts highlight the crucial balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation for a sustainable future.