Kuttanad, the deltaic formation of four major river systems- Pampa, Achencoil, Manimala and Meenachil confluencing into the Vembanad lake lies 0.6 to 2.2m below mean sea level. The region extends from 9017’ to 9040’ N latitude and 76019’ to 76033’ E longitude, comprising an area of 1100Sq Km. The region encompasses vast stretches of backwaters, bordering mangrove formations and rice fields, the latter mostly reclaimed from the shallow stretches of the lake during the recent past. The garden lands, or the reclaimed purayidams with coconut groves, fringed by canals and channels make this a land of richness and beauty. Though the economy of the region is dependent on rice, the only crop that can be raised in lowland areas, it is also supported by coconut in purayidams and by inland fisheries.
The Kuttanad agrosystem is faced with serious problems of hydrology, frequent floods and salinity. Nevertheless, the high profit margin for rice attracted many farmers to rice cultivation despite all these problems.
Rice is cultivated in an area of 55000 ha identified as puncha lands of Kuttanad. It accounts for 20% of Kerala’s rice prodcution and contributes decisively to the food security in a state where domestic production meets only 30% of the foodgrain requirements.
The construction of a spillway at Thottappally for speedy drainage of flood water to the Arabian sea helped in raising an additional crop of rice in 20000 ha. But environmentalists are of the view that the construction of Thottappally spillway and Thanneermukkom regulator were instrumental in bringing catastrophical changes in the fragile ecosystem of Kuttanad. Decline in the saline / brackish water area is said to be another illeffect of Thanneermukkom regulator adversely affecting the inland fisheries which otherwise has a huge potential for growth.
It has been argued that the frequent flood situation in Kuttanad as existing today is a result of major developmental interventions like the construction of the Thanneermukkom regulator, Thottappally spillway and permanent lining for earthen bunds.
Agricultural pollution due to overuse of pesticides, fertilizers and organic residues is another problem faced by Kuttanad.
The measures taken up by the Government for promoting tourism in Kerala, ‘God’s own country’ and popularisation of the concept of ecotourism added a new dimension to land use in Kuttanad with its backwaters, reclaimed rice fields and lagoons having immense tourist potential.
Recent agricultural problem in Kuttanad was related to the heavy loss suffered due to untimely summer showers and related matters. Dwindling numbers of agricultural labourers is another sociological problem faced by Kuttanad agri- zone.
DIFFERENT RICE GROWING SEASONS OF KUTTANAD
Additional crop Season-From May-June To August-September
Puncha Crop Season-From October-November To February-March
Kuttanad, once the rice bowl of Kerala, still has the unique reputation of having maximum productivity among the rice growing tracts of Kerala.
