Pokkali Farmers Asks Kerala HC To Classify 'Neela Kozhi' As 'Vermin'

Owing to invasion by the bird Grey-headed swamphen, or 'Neela Kozhi', an Ernakulam-based farmers' group, has petitioned the Kerala High Court to classify the bird as 'vermin'. Farmers of pokkali rice said these birds, protected species, arrive after sowing the seeds in June and stay until November or harvest time. However, the court directed the government to observe the grievance of the farmers and then inform it.