Project: Traditional Pokkali Seed Vault
On-going project to deploy low cost air, temperature, humidity, moisture, condensation, light and pest controlled modern version of classic Kerala Pathayam seed vault (not a storage or doomsday vault) to preserve all heirloom traditional Pokkali seed varieties for a minimum of 2 to 3 cultivation seasons (years). Eliminates risk of extinction of seeds due to crop loss in consequitive seasons triggered by any external natural calamity or human negligence. Only for traditional Pokkali seeds (Chettivirippu, Cheruvirippu, Choottupokkali, Ponkuruka, other) harvested from coastal clay farms (not inland) of Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur districts.
Vault Specification
Temperature controlledHumidity controlled
Sealed aluminium bags
Air tight containers
Cool dark space
Insects and termite proof
Minimum 1000kg capacity
Minimum 2 cultivation cycles
Traditional Seeds
ChettivirippuCheruvirippu
Choottu Pokkali
Ezhikkara Pokkali
Ponkuruka
Vault Location
One per districtOrganized by farm ownership
Access for farm owners
Secure premises
Periodic surveillence
Costs
DesignMaterials
Manufacture
Space lease
Temperature/Humidity control
Pest control
Maintenance
Security
Seed Multiplication
Designate 5x2acres farmCultivate traditional seeds
Provide fresh water access
Provide pest deterrance
Provide chaazhi deterrance
Provide security oversight
Provide timely sluice control
Provide harvest assistance
Financing/Management
Central/State GovtCoops
Private charities
Crowdsourcing
Management
Farm owners rep
Govt rep
Independent gazetted rep
Preliminary draft