Often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” Kuttanad is a region located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is known for its unique geography, being one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level. The region is crisscrossed by an intricate network of rivers, canals, and backwaters, making it exceptionally fertile and suitable for agriculture.

The farmers in Kuttanad use a distinctive method known as the “polder system,” which involves reclaiming land from the backwaters by constructing bunds or embankments to prevent saline water intrusion from the sea. These bunds create paddy fields that lie below sea level, requiring constant water pumping using traditional methods or, more recently, motorised pumps to maintain water levels conducive to rice cultivation.

Apart from rice, other crops such as coconut, banana, yam, and various vegetables are also cultivated in Kuttanad. Coconut palms are a common sight, and their cultivation plays a significant role in the region’s agricultural economy. Fish farming, particularly freshwater prawn and fish culture, is also practised in the backwaters and canals of Kuttanad, adding to the diversity of farming activities.