NIL

1. WELCOME

2. GREESHMA THILAKAN

3. KUTTANAD – the rice bowl of kerala
It is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast stretches of
verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters.
Kuttanadu is a region in the Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and
Kottayam Districts, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for
its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical
peculiarities. It's the region with the lowest altitude in India, and
one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out
below sea level. It’s also one of the historically important places
in the ancient history of South India.
Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is all about an agrarian
community, striking a chord of harmony with its physical
setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet)
the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own.
Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil
and Manimala flow into the region.

4. OCCUPATIONS
Kuttanad is a region that generally differs from other
regions of Kerala. Kuttanad find their livelihood from Paddy
fields, catching fish from the courtyard, duck rearing,
collecting oyster shells, coir industry, tourism, etc.

5. Paddy Cultivation
Kuttanad – the rice bowl of kerala is well renowned for its
paddy cultivation. The black soil of Kuttanad is suitable
for the cultivation of paddy. The fertility of the soil was
multiplied by the organic waste brought by the rivers. The
high yield which is not possible in other regions
encouraged the farmers to take the risk of cultivating the
soil. Janmi-kudiyan (landlord-tenant) system was followed
in Kuttanad

6. Fishing
Fish is one of the essential edible items of Kuttanad people.
The reservoir of water in Kuttand was filled with fish.
Naturally fishing became a means of livelihood of the
people. Each and every family used to catch fish from their
own ponds and canals. They can get enough fish for their
day to day need. When the water was drained for cultivation
they used to get good catch. This was also a source of
income for the landlords.Various kinds of nets-kambavaala,
oonivala , ozhukkuvala, koruvala, vallivala are
used to capture the fish. Various kinds of fishs are available
in Kayal water.

7. Duck Rearing
Growing Duck in the swamp and canal was
another occupation of the Kuttanad people.Duck
rearing is an unavoidable part of life of the people
in Kuttanad. Paddy fields and canals are
favourable for duck rearing. Ducks are put in
groups in paddy field after rearing.

8. Coir Industry
The people of Kuttanad have used the Vembanad
kayal for developing coir industry.Coir and coir
products have good demand in native and foreign
markets.

9. Some coir products ::

10. Food habits

11.  People of kuttanad mostly depend on the rivers as a
source of food due to the vast availability of different
types of fishes , prawns ….
 Toddy, Karimeen, tapioca ( kappa), dried fishes and
prawns…..
 Also they used to have rice ( kanji, and other dishes).
 Vegetables and peas cultivated are also in there diet.

12. Tourism

13. Features of tourism in kuttanad
 Kuttanad has a most prominent place among all tourist destinations in the
God’s Own Land. For all discerning travelers with an eye on scenic beauty it
is indeed the most sought after tourist destination. Currently some 200,000
tourist are estimated to be heading for Kuttanad annually. More than three
quarters of them are of foreign origin.
 A boat cruise through the serene backwaters and a short stay in the most
colorful villages are among the most exotic experiences that Kuttanad can
offer. The boat cruises are routed through the vast expanses of the
Vembanad lake and the majestic rivers of Pamba, Achankovil and Meenachil
that flow through the region.
 The tourist season in Kuttanad runs through the months of October to
March. A pleasant climate prevails in Kuttanad throughout this season.
 It is the boat cruise that can bring out all the beauty and vivid charm of
Kuttanad. One great advantage of the cruise is that one can watch the
village life without ever intruding into the privacy of people living there. The
palm fringed river banks, the blue serenity of vast expanses of water and the
arresting beauty of lush green paddy fields leave an indelible memory with
all the tourists coming to Kuttanad. One can spend any amount of time
immersed in the most enchanting natural beauty of the region.

14. Problems Faced by the People
1. Use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, polluted
the near by lakes and river resulting the scarcity of
water.
2. The ‘ Thaneermukkam bund ’ obstruct the natural
flow of water in the lakes allowing the wastes to pile
up near the river banks.
3. Though the chemical fertilizers give them a good
yield at the beginning, it gradually reduces the
production and spoils the natural composition of the
soil.

15.  Due to water pollution, the availability of some fishes
and prawns decreases.
 Also the unexpected floods and heavy rain destroys
the crops, thus the farmers suffers a lot in kuttanad.