Ask a Teacher

Search



write a seminar for kuttanad.
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 oyester shells, coir industry, tourism, etc.

Vembanad Lake is the biggest backwater in Kerala. Kuttanad spreads over the land of the back waters. More or less half of the area in Kuttanad is lying below sea level. The rivers Pamba, Muvattupuzha, Meenachil, Manimala and Achankovil flow through Kuttanad and join the Vembanad Lake. During summer, the flow of fresh water decreases and saline water enters the low-lying regions from the sea. The salinity causes scarcity of drinking water and damages agriculture.

Paddy cultivation.
Sprouted seeds were sown in the prepared paddy field. At a time when pesticides were not used, pests were eliminated using different methods. Water was made to fill the paddy field. When the seed sprouted, water level was made in such a way as to allow the tip of the paddy leaves to be seen above the water level. All the pests used to come and gather at the tip of the leaves. Then they would be beaten with a
broomstick and gathered in a basket called "wormbasket". The black soil of Kuttanad is suitable for the cultivation of paddy. The fertility of the soil was multipled 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.

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.

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.

Collecting  oyster shell
Oyster shell collecting is the means of livelihood of some people. While oyster shell is used for making white cement, fish of oyster is an important item of food. Oyster shell is also used to make quick lime.

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.

Tourism
Tourism industry has considerably developed in Kuttanad due to the presence of Vembananad kayal. The natural beauty of the Vembanad Kayal attracts many tourists. They go around the kayal in boats and country boats. Boat race in kayal is an attractive sight in Kuttanad.  


comments powered by Disqus