Puttur: Darwin’s evolution theory talks about ‘survival of fittest’ and may be following the theory, the common periwinkles, the small edible mollusc that are usually found in wet fields have suddenly disappeared. The ‘search teams’, surely the taste buds which have tasted the lip-smacking delicacies made out of these mollusc fell that the ill-effects of globalization has gobbled the rare species of molluscs which were found in abundance few years ago in the wet paddy fields in the region.
These conch shaped mollusks, which are called ‘Narthe’ in tulu were spotted specially after planting paddy saplings during rainy season. They survive for 10-20 years and thrive in wet sedimentary soil. It is farmer’s friend too as it breaks the soil into sediments (compost form). Farmers used to leave few of these in their paddy fields to enhance fertility of the soil in good old days. Their presence in the fields used to enhance the farm paddy output and also to tickle the taste buds once they enter the coastal kitchen.
Tracing them is not easy!
Searching these molluscs is not easy as they employ natural defence mechanism to protect themselves from predators. Remaining passively under mud, when attacked, they may develop thorny external coat at times. Whenever they intend to have a ‘field day’ during sunshine, they are likely to get caught.
Mollusc in kitchen!
Farmers in paddy cultivation find these in great numbers in their respective paddy fields and carry these on their way home after day’s hard work. The shell is removed after boiling and the fleshy part is cooked, though few like to remove the shell before boiling. To get the real feel one has to taste a traditional fleshy mollucs (narthe) dish.
Possesses medicinal qualities
Elders in the region where it is widely used in food dishes feel it has medicinal qualities where it can give relief to a person from his chronic backache. The outer shell is used in making decorative articles which reach the market place with an impressive price tag.
Rare molluscs disappear!
Once found in abundance these mollucs are not found these days due to decline in paddy cultivation and area covered by rubber plantations. Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and urbanization too has contributed to their decline in numbers.
The rare species on the verge of extinction will be missed by farmers, people suffering from chronic backache and foodies for sure!
