Context:
Increasing salinity levels is posing a serious threat to ‘puncha’ paddy cultivation in Kuttanad, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Kerala.
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS):
- Living heritage systems inhabited by communities that maintain an intricate relationship with their territory.
- Declared by – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
- GIAHS Sites –
- Global – 57 sites in 21 countries.
- India – 3 sites.
GIAHS Sites in India:
- Saffron Heritage of India:
- Location – Kashmir
- Cultivated in Karewa soil
- Koraput Traditional Agriculture:
- Location – Odisha
- Inhabited bytribal groups, including Khond, Bhatada, Paroja, Bhumia, and Bondas.
- Kuttanad Farming System:
- Location – Kerala
- Topological Characteristics – Wetlands.
- Significance – Unique system for rice cultivation below sea level.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
1.To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3.To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)