Journal of Global Resources
Volume 5 (02)
July 2019
ISSN: 2395-3160 (Print), 2455-2445 (Online)

Page 54-60

08
LAND USE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON AGRO ECOLOGY OF RICE FISH FARMINGA MICRO WATERSHED BASED STUDY
Ramya, M1 and Lancelet, T.S2.
Research Scholar, Dept. of Geography, SSUS, Kalady, Kerala, India
2Professor, Dept. of Geography, SSUS, Kalady, Kerala, India
Email: ramyamohan.ms@gmail.com

1

Abstract: Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. In Kerala wetland
ecosystem having a unique system of rice cultivation, popularly known as Pokkali and Kole incentral part of Kerala and Kaipad in Northern Kerala. The unique kaipad ecosystem wasmost favourable for the rich diversity of fishes and its related species and it offers livelihood
opportunity to the locals. A Micro watershed wise Land use study provides more detailed andscientific identification of the problems in kaipad lands and conservation of soil, water, andother natural resource of the region. Kaipad land is interconnected immersed withWatershed. Present study analyses the changing scenario of land use pattern of the study
area and how the land use change affecting the agro ecology of rice- fish cultivation .The
present study shows the changes in the pattern of land use and its effect on agro ecology ofthe area.
Key words: Wetlands, Ecosystem, Micro Watershed, Natural Resource, Agro Ecology.
Introduction
Land is the basic resources available to human being for his survival. Land is the result ofunique functions of soil, water, air, flora and fauna. Land is considered as the dynamic andlimited resource, it is the complex combination of several factors like Geology, topography,hydrology, and climate. Land use means utilisation of land for several purposes, mainly
based on the physical, climate, and the cultural condition. Land use information can be used
to find out solution for natural resource management. The micro watershed is the logical step
to plan the use and management of natural resource. Micro watershed based land use study
is more specific to understand local resources and helps micro level planning strategy. InKerala coastal belt has a unique popular system of rice cultivation in the saline wetlands likepokkali, kole and Kaipad. Kaipad is a wetland ecosystem in which salinity prone naturalorganic rice cultivation and aqua culture together in brackish water in the northern districts ofKerala. The area is interconnected and immersed with watershed. The tidal waves entering
the field through the river keep the soil moist even during the summer months. They get rich
deposits of highly fertile organic matter, therefore the paddy cultivation requires no artificial
manures and fish species receive adequate food (Nair K N, Vineetha Menon, Mahesh R
2002). The complexity and high natural productivity of the environment lead us to believe thatco-existence of alternative natural resource based livelihood is the key to sustainable
development.
Study Area
Muttil kappu is one of the micro watersheds belong to Kaipad wetland ecosystem. The micro
watershed is a part of cherukkunnu panchayath in Kannur district of Kerala. It is situatedbetween the longitude of 75°15’ 54” E to 75°17’28”E the latitudinal extension is 11° 59’ 33”N
to 12°01’18”N.Muttil is the place name and Kappu are the part of the river which extends
towards the land area having strong effect of tidal force. Muttil kappu micro watershedbelongs to the catchment area of Kuppam River. As per the watershed atlas of Kerala thecode of the Micro watershed is 33K 50a. It covers an area of about 445.75 hectares of area.
The ward which included in this micro watershed are 11, 12 (Muttil, Pallikkara) and part of 1,2, and 10 (Nedumpuram, Dalil and Mundappuram). Muttil kappu micro watershed situated in
the northern part of the Cherukunnu panchayath having an average height of about 10meter. Matool River which flows in North Western boundary to easterly direction.
54Objectives
The paper emphasis two objectives. They are following:
1. To analyse the changing scenario of land use pattern of the study area.
2. To study how the land use change affecting the agro ecology of rice- fish cultivation(Kaipad)Materials and Methods
The present study is based on primary and secondary data. Both GPS survey and interview
with local people used to collect information for the study. Maps like Cadastral/village,
topographical sheets of 1:25000 and 1:50000 scales covering the study area form the basic
information for the preparation of base maps. The boundary of the micro watersheddelineated carefully from the top sheet and watershed atlas. Land use classification is done
through Arc GIS 10.4 software.
Result and Discussion
Results and discussion includes the details regarding the land use change analysis andgenerated suitable maps, charts and figures.
Figure 01: Land use 2004

55

Table 01: Muttil Kappu Micro Watershed Land use, 2004
Land Use Classification
Paddy virippu
paddy kaipad
Prawns
Coconut
Paddy converted to coconut

Area in Hectare
32.03
17.05
62.67
152.8
33.46

Area in Percentage
6.953.7
13.59
33.15
7.26

Paddy converted mixed crops
Paddy cultivable waste land
Mangrove forest
BananaBuilt up land
Mixed crop
Marshy land
Water bodies
Total

1.42
71.54
8.35
0.41
0.01
29.17
0.97
42.76
461

0.31
15.52
1.81
0.41
0
6.33
0.21
9.19
100

Source: Kerala state land use board

Muttil Kappu Micro Watershed Land Use -2004
Muttil Kappu micro watershed covers an area of about 461.05 hectares. During 2004 Paddyvirippu (Paddy April, May season) covers an area of about 0.95 percent of the total area ofthe micro watershed. But the same time Kaipad rice cultivation was about 3.70 percent of thetotal area. Prawn cultivation covers an area of about 13.59 percent of the total area of themicro watershed .Coconut is the most important crop of Muttil kappu micro watershed it
covers an area of about 33.15 percent of the area. Paddy cultivable waste land was15.52
percent
Table 02: Muttil Kappu Micro watershed Land use 2016
Land Use Classification
Area in Hectare
Area in Percentage
Paddy virippu
20.62
4.47
Paddy Kaipad
4.2
0.91Prawns
63.15
13.7
Paddy +Prawn
14.99
3.25
Kaipad Cultivable waste land
54.01
11.71
Paddy+Prawns+Fish
15.3
3.32
Paddy cultivable waste land
48.9
10.61
Coconut
124.3926.98
Mixed Crop
37.22
8.07
Built up land
7.29
1.58
Banana0.6
0.13
Paddy convert coconut
11.78
2.56
Cultivable waste land
0.31
0.07
Paddy convert to mixed crop
Kaippad below water
Water body
Mangrove forest
Total

1.85
10.39
38.64
7.52
461.05

0.41
2.25
8.38
1.63
100

Source: Kerala state land use board

Muttil Kappu Micro Watershed Land Use 2016
During 2016 Paddy virippu cultivated at an area of 4.47 percent of the total area. Coconut isthe most important crop of the Muttil kappu micro watershed it covers an area of about 26.98
percent of the area. Prawn and Paddy cultivated in the same field covers at an area of about
3.25 percent of the area in which during monsoon season paddy cultivation was done But56

summer season having the cultivation of Prawn ,Tidal action and Salinity is more influenced
in Kaippad lands .8.07 percent of the area utilized for the cultivation of the Mixed crop. 13.70
percent of the area was utilized for Prawn cultivation it is mainly cultivated in an unscientificmanner.The evegreen Mangroove forest covers at an area of about 1.63 percent.About
11.71 percent of the area of Kaipad lands are now cultivable waste lands. Paddy lands wereconverted for the cultivation of other crops was more prominent in Muttil Kappu
watershedabout 2.56 percent.
Figure 02: Muttil Kappu Micro watershed Land use 2016

The unique kaipad ecosystem was most favourable for the rich diversity of fishes andits related species and it offers livelihood opportunity to the locals. The estuarine biodiversity
contains several species of shrimps, mussels, molluscs, and several fish variety. The richmangrove vegetation of the area also provides shelter and protection of variety of birds andaquatic ecosystem. The present study shows the changes in the pattern of land use. There
was a marked change in the land uses of the kaipad lands .During 2004 Kaipad ricecultivation covers 17.5 hectares, but in 2016 it covers only 4.2 hectare area there is atremendous change. The cultivable waste land of the paddy increased, it is mainly due tounprofitable cultivation in kaipad lands. Prawn and the paddy cultivated in the same fieldcovers at an area of about 13.70 percent. In 2016 about 54.01 hectares area under Kaipad
waste land. Kaipad lands were digging for prawn cultivation. The unscientific cultivation leads
to saline water intrusion and these lands are transformed as waste land. Prawn and paddy
cultivation was not prominent during 2004 but in 2016 the cultivation of prawn and paddy
confined about 14.99 hectare.
57Table 03: Muttil Kappu Micro Watershed Land Use Change 2004-2016
Land use Classification
Paddy virippu
Paddy Kaipad
PrawnsPaddy +Prawn
Kaipad Cultivable waste land
Paddy+Prawns+FishPaddy cultivable waste land
Coconut
Mixed Crop
Built up land
BananaPaddy convert coconut
Cultivable waste land
Paddy convert to mixed crop
Kaippad below water
Water body
Mangrove forest

Area 2004(Hectare)Area 2016(Hectare)

Change in Land Use

32.03
17.05
62.67
71.54
152.83
29.17
0.01
0.62
33.46
1.42
42.76
8.35

20.62
4.2
63.15
14.99
54.01
15.348.9
124.39
37.22
7.29
0.6
11.78
0.31
1.85
10.39
38.64
7.52

-11.41-12.85+0.48+14.99+54.01+15.3-22.64-28.44
+8.05
+7.28
-0.02
-21.68+0.31+0.43+10.39-4.12-0.83

Source: Kerala state land use board

Muttil Kappu Micro Watershed Land Use Change 2004-2016
180160
140

A
REA

120
100
80
60
40
200-20-40
AREA 2004 (Hectare)
AREA 2016
CHANGE IN LAND USE

Kaipad rice+Prawn+Fish farming was not done during 2004 but now 15.36 hectares wereutilized .Due to the unscientific cultivation in the kaipad lands now 10.31 hectares of area is58

under the water bodies.. Water bodies decreased from 42.37Hecters to 38.64 hectare it ismainly due to the digging of kaipad lands for prawn cultivation. The evergreen mangrove
vegetation was also decreased from 8.35 hectare to 7.52 hectares. Paddy cultivable waste
land also reduced; there is a marked reduction in coconut cultivation about 28.44 hectarechange.
Causes and Consequences
The rice culture in the kaipad lands take place either deep or floating water conditions. Evena minute change in land use effect the entire ecosystem. The reclamation of paddy lands forplantation especially for coconut cultivation is a major thread. Cultivators are interested inprawn cultivation than rice cultivation, because good international demand of prawn and also
get high price in the local market. Hence prawn cultivation is increased. Kaipad cultivation
abandonments have much greater implications for the livelihood of labour households whoare currently involved in this activity may affect their employment and income. For prawn
cultivation these wetlands were digged. It leads to the saline water intrusion towards thecultivable lands. About 11 hectors of Kaipad land are now under water due to unscientificcultivation. Population pressure is also caused such land use change. Major consequences
are as follows.
Water scarcity: There is acute shortage of drinking water shortage in the micro watershed.
Water scarcity mainly due to salinity condition of the area. Due to tidal forces the sea water
entering into the Riverine region. The unscientific cultivation of the Prawn also leads to thewater scarcity in the Watersheds. Agricultural activities are severely affected by the scarcityof water and lack of proper irrigation facilities.
Decline in agricultural productivity: Especially in Kaipad land unscientific cultivation whichleads to the decline of agricultural productivity and loss of indigenous rice varieties. During
2004 Kaipad rice cultivation covers 17.5 hectares, but in 2016 it covers only 4.2 hectare area
there is a tremendous change and the cultivable waste land of the paddy increase
Sliding of river banks: The banks of the streams keep sliding, due the uncontrolled flow ofwater during the rainy season. Deforestation of Mangrove vegetation along the banks resultssliding.
Levelling of water sources: levelling of water body is more relevant especially near theKaipad region. As the ponds and springs do not have protection, walls around it, soil get
deposited in them and gradually they become levelled. In addition to this, selfish man madeactivities also play a major role in the levelling of water sources.
Problems related to the ecosystem Study area having rich Biodiversity both aquatic andland area. The estuarial bio diversity contains several species of shrimps, Mussels, Crab,moll uses fish verity continued. The rich mangrove vegetation also provides shelter andprotection to variety of birds and aquatic ecosystem. Deforestation of mangrove vegetation
leads to destruction of aquatic species. Soil nutrition reduced due to the deforestation ofmangrove. Mangroves are the wet land makers, destruction leads to the continues reductionof birds and related ecosystem.
Water pollution: In Kaipad lands many pesticides were used in the Paddy field and also thefeeding of prawns in kaipad lands also polluting the water. Insecticides are widely used near
the streams. It spreads in water and harms the flora and fauna around it.
Water logging: It is the most important problem in kaipad lands here the water stagnant inseveral hours due to the tidal forces .The unscientific cultivation of the prawn in which theKaippad fields were digging leads to large size bunds where the saline water logged for thecultivation, it leads to the drinking water shortage .
Lack of water conservation measures: Uncontrolled flow of water in streams causes
massive erosion in this area. It increases the depth of streams. It also causes the sliding of59

banks. There are almost similar problems in agricultural fields. Improper water conservation
measures causes lots of environmental problems here.
Flood during rainy season: Being a place in the verge of crucial hot season, it also faces
flood during winter. This is because of the streams are cut shortened by the people. Insteadof broadening the width of the streams people are engaged in cut shortening the width of thestreams.
Lack of awareness: Ground water table in this watershed area recedes considerably year
after year. However, people have not started thinking of rejuvenating the water sources. It ishigh time to teach the importance of conserving soil, water and biomass to the people in thiswatershedSuggestions
 To promote Keypad rice varieties especially GI (Geographical Indication) tag rice like
Ezhome-1, Ezhome-2 etc.
 Government agencies can prepare plans to promote scientific prawn cultivation.
 Construct check dams to prevent saline water intrusion.
 Construct small scale irrigation projects within the watershed.
 Afforestation of Mangrove vegetation which is more useful to protect the bio diversity of
the area especially in the case of fish farming.
 One of the major recommendations of this study is that all the existing cultivable waste
land should be converted into paddy cultivation in its organic way.
 Encouragement of mangrove plantations may be helpful for reducing saltines from thesoil and it promotes rice growth.
Conclusion
Among the diverse environment near the coastal region the land use issue considered here
is most pertinent to the estuarine biodiversity. The Kaipad ecosystem provide most favorable
for the rich diversity of fishes and its related species and also provide high yields of paddy.
Kaipad lands are the complex zones of agriculture as well as livelihood. Seepage of saline
water from the prawn farms has led to acidification of soil in nearby agricultural lands. Thus
there is a danger that most of the fertile lands would become barren after few years. The
water bodies around the watershed provide a major role in agriculture and related activities.
A minute change in land use affects the kaipad ecosystem and its sustainability.
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