In the Kuttanad region, during the Masons heavy rains flood the fields. By September, indigenously designed 50- HP pump set empty them, throwing the water back in to the lake. Called Petti Para, these farms are crafted mainly from wood, except for a large bore steel cylinder and impellor encased in wood. Netting, in the box like delivery end, snare fish jettisoned along with the water.
Showing posts with label Kuttanad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kuttanad. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Petti Para
R Block
It is one of the best managed private farms (at 850 acres) among the reclaimed land in the Kuttanad region, a process that started nearly hundred years back. By 1920, due to the scarcity of rice, locals were allowed to reclaim as much land as they wanted on the condition that they grow paddy. A fisherman, Joseph Muriekkan was among the first to own reclaimed land. These rights continued even after independence, the Govt. assisting the people with technical help from the Netherlands. It is covered in coconut, areca nut and banana plantations .The fields lend themselves to fish farming and duck breeding while awaiting the next sowing season.
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