Kaipad Ecosystem

Kaipad is a saline prone naturally organic rice production  tract of North Kerala, India falling in Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts in 4100 hectors. Major part of area is in Kannur district  extending mainly in four Panchayats namely Ezhome, Pattuvam, Cherukunnu and Kannapuram. The Kaipad system of rice cultivation is an integrated organic farming system in which rice cultivation and aquaculture go together in coastal brackish water marshes which is rich in organic matter. The network of backwaters and estuaries serves as an inlet of sea water and causes salinity in the area. This ecosystem is rich in biodiversity with respect to flora and fauna. There is several species of phytoplanktons and marine fungi which play an important role in the degradation of organic matter. Mangroves which are seen on the fringes of back waters and estuaries are characteristic feature of Kaipad tracts. Mangroves provide breeding sites for fishes and prawn, and  bind toxic chemicals and pollutants. Mangrove forests are valued for fish, shell fish, live stock fodder, fuel and building materials, local medicine, honey, and bees wax, chemicals or tanning leather, timber and wood. The prop roots of mangroves penetrate deep into anaerobic mud flats and activate mineral cycling and maintain productivity of Kaipad ecosystem. The crown of mangroves provide resting and nesting place for birds, and flowers are good source of honey. Diverse species of migratory birds are another specialty of this ecosystem. 

 

As Kaipad tract is coastal  to the river which merges into sea, there will be flood during monsoon and salinity during summer season. Kaipad ecosystem consists of marshes, swamps, ponds, and paddy fields which help in controlling sedimentation, flood  and pollution. The tidal currents generated in the sea causes flow in of water  to Kaipad fields through the river during high tide and flow out during the low tide. When water level rises in the river either due to monsoon or due to high tide, water flows in Kaipad fields. The river water is usually saline except during monsoon. Along with the river water, the Kaipad fields  receives good deposit of highly fertile organic matter from forest wastes as well as marine wastes. This along with left over paddy stubbles in Kaipad, excretion of migratory birds, and remnants of aqua culture  makes the Kaipad ecosystem highly fertile. Hence the rice produce from this particular ecosystem is purely organic.

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