• It is a unique saline tolerant rice grown in Alappuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala.
• It has been given a GI tag from Kerala. 
• Since the tidal flows make the fields highly fertile, no manure or fertilizer need to be applied; the seedlings just grow the natural way. In order to survive in the water-logged field, the rice plants grow up to 130-140 cm. 
• Pokkali rice cultivation has been evolved through ages by the farmers of the area for the maximum utilization of available resources without affecting the ecosystem.

Why in the news?

• Ever since Cyclone Amphan has hit the coasts of West Bengal, the coastal regions have seen severe sea-water incursion which has left crops damaged. 
• Hence, with the help of local Science Clubs, the farmers of 24 North Parganas district in West Bengal are sowing Pokkali rice from Kerala which is known for its salt water tolerance. 

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pokkali-rice-seedlings-travel-from-kerala-to-the-sunderbans/article32278833.ece#:~:text=Two%20farmers%20in%20South%2024,West%20Bengal%20on%20May%2020.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokkali_Rice
3. https://sites.cdit.org/wto/index.php/pokkali-rice