Question

Which among the following is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in India?
1. Paddy cultivation of Govindpur
2. Sugarcane farming of Kolhapur
3. Black rice farming in Manipur
4. Kuttanad Farming System

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Kuttanad Farming System

The correct answer is Kuttanad Farming System.

• The concept of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is distinct from a conventional heritage site or protected area/landscape.

• A GIAHS is a living, evolving system of human communities in an intricate relationship with their territory, cultural or agricultural landscape or biophysical and wider social environment. Since 2005, FAO has designated 62 systems in 22 countries as agricultural heritage sites.
• In India, there are 3 GIAHS:
  • Saffron Farming in Kashmir, Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha and Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala.
  • Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System is unique, as it is the only system in India that favours rice cultivation below sea level in the land created by draining delta swamps in brackish waters.