Ecosystem valuation and eco-compensation for conservation of traditional paddy ecosystems and varieties in Kerala, India

Abstract

Etymologically ‘the land of paddy fields’, Wayanad district in Kerala, India, is a hub of numerous traditional paddy varieties. These varieties are less-input intensive and highly adaptive to changing climate and stresses. However, shifting cropping patterns in the district led to massive conversions of traditional paddy ecosystems posing threats to agrobiodiversity and ecological stability. Using market price, replacement cost and benefit transfer methods, it was estimated that Wayanad paddy ecosystem generates US$8,391 ha−1 worth of ecosystem services annually, of which 77% is non-marketed. The potential of eco-compensation in incentivizing agrobiodiversity conservation was assessed using single bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation. The analysis found that farmers were willing to accept a mean compensation of US$106 ha−1 as incentive to cultivate traditional paddy varieties, which was lower than the Government’s incentive under ‘Wayanad package scheme’. But these amounts are very low in comparison to the annual value of ecosystem services. Hence, the value of ecosystem services needs to be accounted for in eco-compensation framework and farmers should be duly recognized and paid for the invisible fruits of their toil.