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RICE IN KERALA

Status Paper on Rice in Kerala

S. Leena Kumari

Professor & Head

Rice Research Station,

Monkompu, Thekkekkara P.O.

Alleppey District. Kerala 688 503

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I.NAME OF THE STATE : Kerala

II. INTRODUCTION

Kerala, the southern most state of India, occupies a unique position on the map of the country and lies

between 8018’ and 12

048’ North latitude and between 74

0 52’ and 77

0 24’ East longitude. It has a total

area of 38,855 km2. With the southernmost extremity at Parassala, about 56 km upward from the

southernmost tip of India, it stretches along the shores of Arabian Sea for a distance of about 597 km.

The breadth of the Sate varies from 32 km in the extreme north and south to over 120 km in the middle.

The State is bounded on the North and North East by South Kanara, Kudagu and Mysore districts of

Karnataka State, on the East by Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelvali districts

of Tamilnadu, on the South by Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu, and on the West by Arabian Sea. Kerala

ranks seventeenth in area among the states of India.

III. Rice production scenario: Area, Production and Productivity

Years Area (Lakh ha) Production (Lakh tonnes) Productivity (Kg)

1960-61 7.90 10.68 1371

1965-66 8.02 9.97 1243

1970-71 8.75 12.98 1483

1975-76 8.85 13.65 1540

1980-81 8.02 12.72 1590

1985-86 6.78 11.73 1730

1990-91 5.59 10.87 1940

1995-96 4.71 9.53 2023

2001-02 3.22 7.03 2182

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2002-03 3.10 6.88 2218

2003-04 2.87 5.70 1984

2004-05 2.90 6.67 2300

2005-06 2.75 6.30 2285

2006-07 2.63 6.41 2435

2007-08 2.29 5.28 2306

2008-09 2.34 5.90 2521

2009-10 2.34 6.25 2671

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics GOK

IV. Geographical indicator

a. Climate

The climate of the Sate is of the type-tropical monsoon with seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer

except over the extremely southern district viz. Thiruvananthapuram where the climate falls under the

type-Tropical savanna with seasonally dry and hot summer weather. The year may be divided into 3

seasons. The period from March to the end of May is the hot season. This is followed by south west

monsoon season, which continues till the middle of October. From the middle of October begins the

north east monsoon season, which lasts up to the end of February although the rains associated with the

north east monsoon ceases by December. The climate is pleasant from September to February. Summer

months March to May are uncomfortable due to high temperatures and humidity. The High Ranges have

a cool and bracing climate through our the year, while the plains are hot and humid. Though the mean

temperature is only 32.20

C, it is oppressively hot in the plains in summer. The State is extremely humid

due to existence of Arabian sea in the western side.

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b. Soil type

Nine different soil types have been identified in Kerala as listed below

1. Alluvial Soil ( Spread over river Banks)

2. Sandy soil ( Coastal areas)

3. Sandy loam soil(Coastal areas)

4. Laterite soil with well defined B horizon( Natural midlands)

5. Laterite soil without B horizon( Natural highlands)

6. Red soil ( Southern- most Kerala)

7. Black Soil (Chittoor Taluk and Palakkad District)

8. Peat (Kari) soil( Kuttanad)

9. Acid saline soil( Pokkali and Kaippad area)

c. Rainfall and its distribution pattern

The average level of annual rainfall is quite high in the State, being in the neighborhood of about 2600

mm. It is significant that the Sate gets rainfall both from the south-west and the north-east monsoons.

The former starts towards the end of May or the beginning of June and fades out by September while the

latter commences in October, and continues up to middle of November and dry weather sets in by the

end of December. Among the different districts of Kerala, Palakkad receives the minimum rainfall and the

highest rainfall in the State occurs in the High Ranges of Kottayam district where it is over 3000 mm.

d. Agro-climatic zones

Kerala State has been delineated into thirteen agro climatic zones based on four parameters

viz., altitude, rainfall pattern, soil type and topography viz., 1. Onattukara, 2. Coastal Sandy

3.Southern Midlands 4.Central Midlands 5. Northern Midlands 6.Malappuram Type

7.Malayorum 8.Palakkadu plains 9. Red loam 10. Chittoor black soil 11.Kuttanadu 12.

Riverbank alluvium and 13. High ranges. The main features of these agroclimatic zones are

shown below.

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Main features of the Agro climatic Zones of Kerala

No. Zones Altitude type Rainfall

patterns

Topography

model

Soil Type

I Onattukara I I I Sandy loam

II Coastal Sandy I I I Sandy loam

III Southern Midlands I I III Laterite without B

horizon

IV Central Midlands I I & II IIa Laterite

V Northern Midlands I II IIb Laterite

VI Malappuram Type I II IIc Laterite

VII Malayorum I I III Laterite without B

VIII Palakkadu plains I II II Red loam

IX Red loam I I III Red loam

X Chittoor black soil I II IIa Black soil

XI Kuttanadu I I I Peat( kari)

XII Riverbank alluvium I I I Alluvium

XIII High ranges II I &II III Red loam

. Rice Eco Systems of Kerala

Taking into consideration topography, soil and abiotic factors and variation in resource endowments,

and reckoning the seasonal differences in which rice is grown in the state, eight significant agro-

ecosystems are identified as detailed below(Nair, 2000).

a. Midland and Malayorum ecosystems

The most predominant system is the viruppu-mundakan sequence practiced on irruppu

niloms covering the midlands and the malayoram agro-ecological zone. Viruppu crop on these

lands is largely a rainfed crop grown during the South West Monsoon. Generally starting as a

dry broadcast crop it ends up in wet conditions. The varieties grown have such plasticity that

they are conditioned to growth under a wide spectrum of moisture regimes from moist seedbed

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to standing water. Mundakan (winter) crop is generally a transplanted crop (Broadcasting with

sprouted seed is also practised especially where water is assured) in which rice plant grows

throughout under continuous wet conditions. The fag end of the crop might be subjected to

moisture stress in some areas if the northeast monsoon tapers off suddenly. Most of the

growing period is spent during the northeast monsoon rainfall.

b. Palakkadu plains and Chittoor black soil agro-ecosystem.

Another major chunk of double-cropped land is the irrigated project commands predominantly

the eastern taluks of Palakkadu and Periyar valley command in the Ernakulam district. Prior to the

commissioning of the irrigation projects, these were the traditional iruppu and oruppu lands. The main

difference between the rainfed and the irrigated practice is that in the latter the viruppu season

commences only after the onset of the southwest monsoon (in June) and crop is established through

transplanting instead of dry broadcasting. The crop is of medium duration. Commencement of

mundakan season is delayed to October-November and continues to be a transplanted crop. Longer

duration varieties are preferred under the irrigated system.

c. Kuttanadu agro-ecosystem

A unique system of rice production is practiced in the rice bowl of the state: the Kuttanadu in

Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and kole land in Thrissur district. Being low-lying estuarine lands, these

areas are subjected to floods during the two monsoons and salinity intrusion during post monsoon

periods. Soon after the northeast monsoon ends in November, bunds (dykes) are raised. Pumping out

the water drains these ‘polders,’ sowing is then done wet with sprouted seeds. The growing period is

midway between mundakan and summer. Sown in November- December, the crop is harvested in March

- April. As the fields are generally below sea level, water from the bordering canal system is drawn by

gravity flow and used for irrigation. In some parts an additional crop is taken during autumn or virippu

which is sown dry broadcast or wet sown just prior to the onset of monsoon.

d.Pokkali agro-ecosystem

In areas that are subjected to tidal action and hence the soil is saline, a crop of rice is grown

during viruppu taking advantage of the heavy southwest monsoon by a system of flushing out the salt

from the land. The system is known as pokkali in central Kerala and kaipaatu in north Kerala. After the

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harvest of the virippu crop, prawn culture is practiced making use of the tidal flow during the ebb and

floods.

e. Onattukara agro-eco system

Here two crops of paddy is raised followed by pulse crop or oil seeds. Both the paddy crops –

Virippu and Mundakan are purely rainfed crops. The soil is sandy textured. It extends in Alappuzha &

Quilon districts.

f. High range agro-ecosystem

The low temperature regime generally prevailing in the high ranges limits the time available for

rice production in this area. Only one crop extending to both the southwest and the northwest

monsoons is practicable. Paddy production in the high ranges is mainly taking place in the Wayanad

plateau where the valley bottoms are relatively broad and extensive. Predominantly it is transplanted

crop, commencing in July and harvested in December.

VI. Rice production and economic analysis

Rice forms the staple food of the people of Kerala and contributes a major share towards its economy. It

is grown in a vast array of ecological niches, ranging from regions situated 3 meters below MSL level as in

Kuttanadu to an altitude of 1400 m as in the high ranges. It is cultivated under 3 to 4 meters depth of

water as well as in purely rainfed uplands with no standing water. Probably nowhere else in the world,

rice crop is cultivated under such a diversity of conditions.

Kerala is a deficient state in rice production. While the estimated requirement of rice for the state is 35-

40 lakhs t/year, it produces less than one-fifth of its requirement. The deficit in rice production is

increasing year after year due to reduction in rice area arising out of the large scale conversion of paddy

lands for raising other crops or for residential purposes. The area under rice cultivation shows a

decreasing trend especially from 1994-1995. The area under rice cultivation which was in its peak during

mid seventies dwindled to 4.71 lakh ha by 1995-'96 and 2.87 lakh ha by 2003-04. The total rice

production of 12.8 lakh tonnes in 1980-81 had come down to 10.86 lakh tonnes in 1990-91 and 5.70 lakh

tonnes by 2003-04. During this period, the share of rice in the total cropped area also showed a steep

decline ie, from 33.2 percent in 1960-61 to 12.01 percent in 2003-04. The situation slightly changed after

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2006-07 over the ,last two years mainly due to the concerted effort of the Government At present , rice

is grown in a gross area of 2.34 lakh ha producing 6.25 lakh tonnes with a productivity of 2671 kg.

VII. Rice and rice based cropping systems – zone-wise

Sl. No. Zones Cropping patterns

1 Onattukara Rice- Rice- Legumes/ Rice- Rice – Sesame/ Rice – Rice-

Vegetables, Rie- Rice- fallow

2 Coastal Sandy Rice – Prawn/ Rice- fallow

3 Southern Midlands Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables, Fallow-

Rice – fallow

4 Central Midlands Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

5 Northern Midlands Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

6 Malappuram Type Rice – Rice- Vegetables

7 Malayorum Rice – Rice- Vegetables

8 Palakkadu plains Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

9 Red loam Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

10 Chittoor black soil Rice- Rice- Legumes

11 Kuttanadu Rice- Rice- water fallow Rice- Fish

12 Riverbank alluvium Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

13 High ranges Rice- Rice- fallow/ Rice – Rice- Vegetables

VIII. Rice growing seasons and regions

There are three main rice-growing seasons in Kerala. They are: (a) Virippu season/ Autumn

season/ First crop season which starts in April-May and extends up to September-October, (b) Mundakan

season/ Winter season/ Second crop season which starts in September-October and extends up to

December- January, and (c) Puncha season / Summer season/Third crop season which starts in

December-January and extends up to March-April.

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In Kuttanad and Kole areas, the puncha season starts in October and ends in January- February.

Similarly, The first crop season of Wayanad called nancha starts only in June- July and may go up to

November after which a second crop is taken which corresponds with the puncha of other areas. The

traditional rice varieties grown during the different seasons were also named accordingly. For example,

first crop varieties were also known as virippu varieties, second crop varieties (mainly photosensitive

varieties) as mundakan varieties and third crop varieties as puncha varieties.

IX. Recommended package of practices

a. Rice varieties suited for different situations

System / Region/

Situation

Season Varieties

High yielding Varieties

Upland

(Modan land)

Purely rainfed

First crop

Suvarnamodan, Annapoorna, Rohini, Swarnaprabha, Aiswarya, Uma,

Vaisakh

Palliyals (Myals)

Single crop

terraced

First crop

Early duration: Rohini, Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Jyothy, Kairali,

Kanchana, Harsha, Karthika, Ahalya

Medium duration: Aswathy, Sabari, Bharathy, Jaya, Mahsuri, Aiswarya,

Aathira, Uma

Double crop

wet lands :

a. Semi-dry

First crop

Early duration: Mattatriveni, Annapurna, Jyothy, Swarnaprabha,

Ahalya, Varsha, Rohini, Karthika, Aruna, Makom, Revathy, Remanika,

Krishnanjana, Kanchana, Harsha, Kairali, Kunjukunju Varna, Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Aswathy, Sabari, Bharathy, Jaya, Mahsuri, Arathy,

Bhadra, Pavizham, Remya, Kanakom, Ranjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma,

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cultivation Gouri, Aathira, Aiswarya

Second crop Any of the varieties suggested for the first crop seasons (except Rohini)

b. Transplanted First crop

Early duration: Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Jyothy, Swarnaprabha,

Kairali, Kanchana, Karthika, Aruna, Makom, Revathy, Remanika,

Krishnanjana, Varsha, Rohini, Ahalya, Kunjukunju Varna, Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy, Aswathy, Mahsuri, Aathira,

Aiswarya, Pavizham, Remya, Kanakom, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami,

Uma, Gouri.

Late duration: Mangalamahsuri

Second crop

Early duration: Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Jyothy, Kairali, Kanchana,

Karthika, Makom, Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana Kunjukunju Varna,

Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Aswathy, Sabari, Bharathy, Jaya, Mahsuri, Aathira,

Aiswarya, Pavizham, Remya, Kanakom, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami,

Uma

Late duration: Mangalamahsuri, Pranava, Swetha, Karuna, , Makaram,

Khumbham, Dhanu, Thulaam

Third crop


Kairali, Kanchana, Karthika, Makom, Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana,

Ahalya, Harsha, Varsha

Medium duration: Sabari, Bharathy, Jaya, Aathira, Aiswarya, Pavizham,

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Remya, Kanakom, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma, Gouri.

Kuttanad area Puncha

Early duration: Karthika, Makom, Jyothy, Mattatriveni, Annapurna,

Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana, Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Bhadra, Asha, Pavizham, Remya, Kanakom, Jaya,

Sabari, Bharathy, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma, Gouri

Additional

crop

Early duration: Karthika, Aruna, Makom, Annapurna, Jyothy,

Mattatriveni, Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana, Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Remya, Kanakom, Jaya, Sabari, Renjini, Pavithra,

Panchami, Uma, Gouri.

Kole area Mundakan

Extra short duration: Hraswa


Karthika, Aruna, Makom, Kanchana, Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana,

Ahalya, Varsha

Medium duration: Aswathy, Sabari, Bharathy, Pavizham, Remya,

Kanakom, Jaya, Aiswarya, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma, Bhadra

Pokkali Virippu Vytilla 1, Vytilla 2, Vytilla 3, Vytilla 4, Vytilla5, Vytilla 6, Vytilla 7 , and

Vytilla 8

Kaipad Virippu Ezhome -1, Ezhome -2

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Koottu-mundakan Virippu+

Mundakan

Swarnaprabha+ Makaram, Swarnaprabha+ Kumbham

Karthika+ Makaram, Karthika+Kumbham

Scented rice Nanja Pusa basmati 1, Pusa Sugandh

Mundakan Pusa basmati 1, Pusa Sugandh

Deep ill-drained

regions of

southern districts

First crop Remya, Arathy

Second crop Makaram, Kumbham, Dhanu, Thulaam, Mangalamahsuri

Waterlogged and

flooded areas First crop

IR-5, Pankaj, Jagannath, H4, Mahsuri, Neeraja, Mangalamahsuri,

Ezhome-2

Oorumundakan Second crop Sagara

Onattukara and

coastal sandy

areas

First crop

Early duration: Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Jyothy, Bhagya, Rohini, Onam,

Chingam, Aruna, Makom, Karthika, Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana,

Prathyaasa

Medium duration: Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy, Aswathy, Pavizham, Remya,

Kanakom, Arathy, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma, Gouri.

Second crop

Early Duration: Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Makom, Jyothy, Karthika,

Revathy, Remanika, Krishnanjana

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Medium duration: Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy, Aswathi, Pavizham, Remya,

Kanakom, Dhanya (season bound), Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma,

Gouri.

Third crop

Annapurna, Mattatriveni, Rohini, Makom, Revathi, Remanika,

Krishnanjana.

Medium duration: Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy, Aswathy, Pavizham, Remya,

Kanakom, Renjini, Pavithra, Panchami, Uma, Gouri.

Poonthalpadam

( Paalakkad)

Neeraja, Ponmani,Pranava

High altitude area:

a. Single crop

areas

Jaya, Sabari, Mahsuri, Bhadra, IR 8, Aathira, Uma

b. Double crop

areas First crop Aswathy, Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy. Bhadra, Deepthi, Aathira, IR 8

Second crop Aswathy, Jaya, Sabari, Bharathy, Bhadra, Deepthi, Aathira, IR 8

c. Eastern lateritic

regions of Kollam

& Alappuzha

districts

Second crop Makaram, Kumbham, Dhanu, Thulaam

Chitoor black soil First crop ASD 16, ASD 17, Mahsuri, Varsha, ADT 43, Uma

Second crop Ponni, Vellaponni, Ponmani, ASD 16, ASD 17, Pranava, Swetha, Bhadra,

Renjini.

Source: KAU 2007

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b. Most popular rice varieties / hybrids of the state

The most populr rice variety of the State is Uma ( MO.16) developed by Rice Research Station,

Moncompu followed by Jyothi, developed from Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi. The

other varieties popular in the State in the order of their preference are Aiswarya, Kanchana, Aathira,

Matta Triveni, Harsha, Vaisagh, Bhadra, Krishnanjana, Makom, Gouri etc.

X. Traditional cultivars varieties grown if any, in the state.

a. Germplasm Resources

Taking into consideration the variation in resource endowments, topography, soil, abiotic factors and

seasonal differences, rice grown in the state are grouped under eight different agro eco systems. The

natural and artificial selections operating in these areas over long periods of time have resulted in a large

number of traditional varieties suited to each region and possessing special traits like resistance to biotic

and abiotic stresses, ability to survive extreme agro-edaphic situations, quality attributes like medicinal

value, aroma and suitability to special purposes which constitute an invaluable reservoir of genes that

are used by plant breeders for development of superior crop varieties.

The local land races grown in different agro climatic regions of Kerala differ for a range of characters

including crop duration, plant height, tillering, pigmentation of various plant parts, panicle characters,

grain characters as well as grain and straw production. There are photo insensitive varieties and

photosensitive varieties maturing in 60-260 days. Tremendous variation exists for grain characters viz.,

grain color, grain shape , grain size, kernel color, aroma, puffing, popping, flattening, cooking and eating

qualities. The latter reflect varietal preferences for different traditional food preparations.. Grain color

itself varies from straw to gold to brown tinges to complete brown and to black . The grain size varies

from round to short bold to long bold to long slender with long bold red kernelled grains being mostly

preferred by the local farmers. It is supposed that near about two thousand traditional varieties which

were well suited for different agro climatic situations and seasons of rice cultivation were predominantly

cultivated in Kerala. They include varieties possessing resistant genes against biotic and abiotic stresses,

rice varieties which were locally used as medicine or as ingredients in medical preparations, and scented

rice varieties which differ from the scented "Basmathi" rice with respect to growth habits as well as

physico-chemical properties of the grains .

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c. Medicinal value

Though the bulk of the wide variability in medicinal rices grown in Kerala are lost, some rice

varieties are still grown by farmers for their medicinal properties, which include Njavara, Chennellu,

Kunjinellu, Erumakkari, Karuthachembavu and Kavunginpoothala (Leena Kumary, 2004). The medicinal

property of these rice varieties have to be validated by clinical studies, but traditional knowledge

associated with these varieties substantiate their use either as medicine or as ingredient in medicinal

preparations. Njavara, is the unique medicinal rice variety from Kerala deserves special mention in this

regard. This variety is known as "Shashtikam" in Sanskrit due to its extra short duration, coming to

harvest within 60-70 days. Indigenous medicinal preparation using Njavara along with Kurunthotti

("Sida") rejuvenates the muscles and nerves. Two types of Njavara have been identified, the white

glumed and black glumed, both of which are used in Ayurvedic treatments. Chennellu and Kunjinellu

are varieties indigenous to North Kerala. One type of Chennellu with bright red grains, grown as an

upland variety in parts of Kannur district is used in treatment of diarrhoea and vomiting. Another type of

Chennellu with straw coloured grains is grown in wet lands in Wayanad district. Kunjinellu is a variant of

red coloured Chennellu, with small red grains and is given to patients recovering from jaundice.

Erumakkari and Karuthachembavu are the traditional rice varieties indigenous to South Kerala.

Karuthachambavu has black grains, blackish red kernels and black endosperm. The gruel made by the

poached grains of Karuthachambavu is used to treat nausea, vomiting and stomach pains. Erumakkari

was used for treatment of cough. Annoori, a wild species of rice is used by the kani tribes for treatment

of small pox. Kavunginpoothala indigenous to Palakkad District is given to diabetic patients to reduce

discomfort (Leena Kumary,.2004)

XI. Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) specific to the state

Kerala is well known for the rich genetic diversity of the traditional rice varieties grown in various

seasons and in different agro-climatic conditions which includes many medicinal rices also. The

indigenous medicinal rices are used either as medicine or as ingredients in medicinal preparations on a

limited scle The traditional knowledge associated with the medicinal rices are tabulated below.

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Sl.

No.

Variety Traditional use as medicine

1 Njavara The grains are sweet, acrid, oleaginous, aphrodisiac, diuretic,

carminative, anti-dysenteric and tonic

The roots of this rice are said to be cooling, diuretic and febrifuge and

are useful in burning sensation, dyspepsia, bilious fever and diabetes.

Regular consumption of Njavara rice gruel cooked in cow’s milk ensures

longevity and increase milk flow in lactating mothers.

Njavara rice is recommended for acute complaints of piles and for

diabetic patients.

Considered as a safe food for snake-bitten patients and people with

stomach ulcer.

Application of Njavara rice paste is found effective for swelling in foot,

reduces pain of snake bites

Used as a healthy baby food

2 Chennellu Used in treatment of diarrhoea and vomiting.

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3 Kunjinellu Given to patients recovering from jaundice.

4 Erumakkari Used for treatment of cough in humans and also for some diseases of

cattle

5 Karuthachambavu The gruel made by the poached grains is used to treat nausea, vomiting

and stomach pains.

6 Kavunginpoothala Recommended for diabetic patients

7 Varinellu Used by the tribal folk for treatment of small pox

Njavara, the unique medicinal rice of Kerala is put to a number of clinical uses also, which

is well documented in the ancient ayurvedic literature, and a few of them are mentioned below. Njavara

rice is used in Ayurveda for treatment of paralytic conditions and muscle wasting. It increases the growth

of muscles and stimulates the nerve endings. Ashtangahridayakara advises every one to take Njavara rice

during the time of pathyacharana (observing strict time-schedule and keeping special rules and regimen

normally after undergoing ayurvedic treatments, especially the Panchakarma). This has a wide range of

benefits including aphrodisiac. The oil prepared out of Njavara rice is used for a wide range of aches and

painful conditions like the cervical spondylosis, low back ache, paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis (in some

stages) etc.

The most important use of Njavara is in Njavarakizhi in which Njavara rice is the base. Oleation to

head and body using special cloth pieces containing a smooth paste of Njavara rice cooked in Sida ( Sida

rectusa. Lin) decoction and milk, makes the body supple, removes stiffness of joints due to various

vitiated Vatha dominant conditions, cleans the body channels, and brings about better blood circulation.

It improves complexion, increases appetite, improves digestion, restores relish for food, and corrects the

mental irregularities. This makes the body strong and steady, rejuvenated with well-developed

musculature. Judicious application of this is very effective in hypertension, skin diseases and prevents

premature ageing.

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XII. Institutes involved in rice development in the state and their contribution

The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established in 1972 and the agricultural research

institutions that were administered by the Departments of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry until then

were transferred the KAU in 1972. Since then, the agricultural research organization has been

restructured for accelerated development of agriculture in the State. In 1981, under the National

Agricultural Research Project ( NARP), the rice research activities were again re oriented to conduct

location specific production oriented research based on agro-climatic regions. Accordingly, five Regional

Agricultural Research Stations for the North, South and Central, High range and Special zones started

functioning. At present, rice research is being conducted at the following research stations to cater the

needs of the different zones (KAU,1989)

• Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi in Plalakkad district for the development of

laterite midlands. Here research is going on for the Palakkattu plains and black soil zone of

Chittoor taluk in the eastern region of Palakkad District also

• Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district. The lead function of

the station is to conduct research on rice and rice based farming system for the Onattukara

region. Here research is going on in paddy, pulses and oil seeds.

• Rice Research Station at Moncompu in Alleppey district for Kuttanad zone to conduct research on

all aspects of rice cultivation in the submerged Kayal and semi dry Karappadom lands of

Kuttanadu agro eco system.

• Agricultural Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal in Wayanad district to cater to

the needs of high range zone.

• Research Station at Mannuthy in Thrissur district to cater to the needs of the Kole region

• Rice Research Station at Vytilla in Ernakulam district for the development of Pokkali zone.

Contribution of the Institutes towards rice farming in Kerala :Varieties developed through

improvement of local varieties.

The earlier attempts for rice improvement before the advent of green revolution were largely

concentrated on improving the local varieties through selection. Thirty five rice varieties with the prefix

‘PTB’ were released from Pattambi, three ‘MO’ varieties from Moncompu , three ‘VTL’ varieties from

Vytilla , four from Kayamkulam ( two KYLM and two KTR varieties) and two from Ambalawayal ( WND)

have all been developed either through mass selection or pure line selection of traditional varieties which

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were popular in the respective regions. Bred for yield improvement over their local progenitors, these

varieties combine high yield as well as the special traits of their parents like resistance to pests and

diseases, quality attributes, physiological attributes, adaptability to different ecological situations and

systems of cultivation. These varieties are internationally acclaimed for their performance and also act as

genetic materials profusely used in crop improvement programmes world over.For eg., PTB 7

(Parambuvattan ) is resistant to foot rot and gall midge. PTB 10 (Thekkancheera ), an early duration,

photoinsensitive variety which shows good combining ability and is the parent for most of the varieties

released nationally and internationally . It is popular in foreign countries like Myanmar, Srilanka, Pakistan,

South East Asian countries and in USA.. PTB12 (Chitteni) and 29 (Karuthamodan) are Bacterial Blight

resistant varieties. PTB15 and 16 (Kavunginpoothala) are flood tolerant varieties and are good for making

pearl rice. PTB 18 is good for beaten rice. PTB18 (Eravapandy) and PTB 21 (Thekkan) are multiple

resistant varieties. PTB 18,19, 21 and 33 (Arikkirai) show resistance to BPH. PTB2, 8, 9, 20,21,23 and 28

have good milling and cooking qualities. PTB 27 (Kodiyan), 28 (Kattamoden) and 32 (Arervakari) are gall

midge resistant varieties. PTB 23 possesses high protein content ( 12.6%). PTB 28 (Kattamodern) PTB 29

(Karuthamodan) PTB 30 (Chuvannamoodan) and PTB 42 (Suvarnamodan) are upland varieties. WND 1

and WND 2 are suitable for cultivation in high altitude regions as in Wayanad. Kottarakkara 1 is

recommended for water logged deep laterite soils. Pokkali varieties VTL 1 and VTL 2 are tolerant to

salinity and acidity. Their rice is reported to be in demand in foreign countries for making soup. MO. 1

(Chettivirippu) and MO. 2 ( Kallada champavu) are resistant to grain shattering while MO. 3 (

Kunjathikkira) is acid tolerant. UR 110 and Sagara ( KYLM 5) are suitable for growing in waterlogged

marshy areas subjected to saline water intrusion during Mundakan season. Mangala Mahsuri (PTB 53)

tolerates iron toxicity and shallow flooding.

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High yielding rice varieties

With the advent of 'Green Revolution', efforts to develop high yielding, dwarf, fertilizer

responsive varieties of rice suitable for Kerala was started at Pattambi. Hybridisation work was taken up

between the traditional varieties of the state and high yielding varieties like DGWG, IR 8, T (N) 1 etc to

transfer the dwarf genes to traditional varieties. The first hybrid derivative, Annapoorna (PTB35), the

first high yielding, early, dwarf rice for South East Asia was released in India in 1966, the same year in

which IRRI released the variety IR 8. This was widely adopted with the known management practices for

raising high yielding varieties with respect to the fertilizer application, use of pesticides etc. This brought

about a great revolution in total rice production scenario of the state with an average yield of nearly

5t/ha. This was followed by a series of varieties like Rohini, Aswathy, Triveni, Jyothi, Bharathy, Sabari and

Suvarnamodan. The rice variety Jyothi released in 1974 still continues to be the prominent variety in

Kerala due its good cooking quality and is also grown in other States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh etc.

The variety Rohini has a high protein content ( > 12%) and is considered good for diabetic patients.

Efforts to develop desirable mutants of the traditional tall indicas of Kerala were initiated in the

Kerala Agricultural University during early seventies. The traditional tall varieties were subjected to

irradiation at varying doses to change the plant type without disturbing other important characters viz

adaptability to varying agro-ecological conditions, resistance / tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and

red kernel colour. An awnless, early maturing (10-15 days early) mutant was isolated in the M2

generation of the gamma (γ) ray treated population of Oorpandy, the long awned saline resistant local

variety of Ernakulam district in Kerala. Based on the performance of this line in station trials and farm

trials, it was released as Rasmi in 1985. The variety is resistant to gall midge, BPH and blast and is used as

a donor for multiple resistance in the rice breeding programmes at the national level. Dwarf mutants of

MO1, a selection from Chettivirippu, the tall indica variety of the coastal region of Kerala, obtained in the

M5 generation were tested for yield in the research stations under the Kerala Agricultural University. The

most efficient mutant among these viz ., Cul. MO. I. 20- 19- 4, which had profuse tillers and high grain

yield was released for general cultivation as Remanika in 1998. It exhibits high resistance to BPH and

moderate resistance to diseases like sheath blight, sheath rot and pests like gall midge, the major biotic

stresses for rice in Kerala

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Induced mutagenesis of improved traditional rice varieties like Oorpandy, PTB 1 (Aryan), PTB 7

(Parambuvattan), PTB 9 (Thavalakkannan) PTB 10 (Thekkancheera), PTB 20 ( Vadakkan Chitteni ) etc. also

yielded mutants with grain yield comparable to the parents, but possessing high genetic variability for

morphological and physiological attributes. These mutants have been used as parents in the

hybridisation programmes in the University and several varieties viz Harsha ( PTB 55), Varsha ( PTB 56),

Chingam ( KYLM 6) and Gouri ( MO.20)have been developed and released for general cultivation in the

state.

Rice varieties with resistance to Biotic stresses

Introduction of varieties like T(N) 1, IR 8 etc, which were high yielding but susceptible to the

pests and diseases of tropical region resulted in an outbreak of pests, mainly Brown plant hopper (Bph).

The crop improvement programmes of the University were re oriented giving emphasis to

development of varieties with built in resistance tobiotic stresses. In 1978, the first high yielding rice

variety from Moncompu viz., MO4 (Bhadra) possessing resistance to brown plant hopper was released

through hybridisation and selection. From the breeding programmes at Pattambi, some multiple resistant

cultures viz., Cul. 1686 and Cul. 1727 which showed better resistance to pests and diseases were further

evaluated and Cul. 1727 was released as Jayathi in 1992 . This was followed by the development and

release of varieties like Aruna, Makom, Kanakom from RRS, Moncompu and Onam and Bhagya from

RRS, Kayamkulam

Realising the importance of multiple resistant rice varieties in IPM, efforts were taken up by the

different rice research stations under the Kerala Agricultural University in this regard. In 1993, Regional

Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi came out with four multiple resistant rice varieties viz., Kairaly,

Kanchana, Aathira and Aiswaya. This was followed by Mangala Mahsuri and Karuna in 1998 possessing

resistance both biotic and abiotic stresses so as to cater the diverse needs of the farmers of the central

zone of Kerala comprising of Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malppuram districts of Kerala.

In Kuttanad gall midge attack appeared sporadically during the eighties and a severe incidence

occurred in 1990 and later in 1996, damaging the rice crop in about 30,000 ha and bringing about a loss

of Rs. Eight crores. The strain of gall midge was identified as GM Biotype 5. Research efforts were

initiated at Rice Research Station, Moncompu in the eighties itself which resulted in the development of

three gall midge resistant varieties and the timely release of these varieties viz, Uma, Pavithra and

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Panchami in 1998 could combat the problem of Gall midge to a great extent in Kuttanad. Another major

problem of rice cultivation in Kuttanad viz., Blast disease was brought under control with the

development of Renjini with blast resistance which was also released from RRS Moncompu. During

2002, another rice variety ‘Gouri’ which is moderately resistant to sheath blight was released from Rice

Research Station, Moncompu, followed by Prathyasa, a short duration rice variety for the double cropped

wet lands of Kuttanad during 2009.

Rice varieties resistant to abiotic stresses

Programmes to evolve varieties with resistance or tolerance to abiotic stresses viz., flood, cold,

drought, salinity, soil problems like acidity, alkalinity and sulphide injury etc. were also under-taken by

the Kerala Agricultural University. Breeding for Flood tolerance has resulted in the identification and

release of one flood tolerant high yielding variety BR 51-315-4 christened Neeraja in 1992 from RARS,

Pattambi and two varieties from Rice Research Station, Kayamkulam viz, Makaram & Kumbham which

are photosensitive long duration varieties, evolved through pure line selection from the local cultivar

“Cheradi”. Two dwarf, white riced cultures, viz., Cul 745 and Cul 796 with 160-165 days duration giving

good germination under low temperature were identified at RARS, Pattambi .

Rice varieties for the Khariff season of Palakkad and Onattukara in Kerala needed drought

resistance since the seeds are dry sown with the receipt of pre monsoon showers and the seedlings

suffer water scarcity for almost a month before regular monsoon starts. Breeding work at RARS, Pattambi

and Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam has identified two rice varieties

‘Harsha’ for Palakkad and ‘Chingam’ for Onattukara respectively.

Breeding programmes for salinity resistance is carried out at mainly at Vytilla and some initial

works were carried out at RARS, Pattambi and RRS, Kayamkulam also. From RRS, Vytilla, eight rice

varieties viz., Vytilla 1 to Vytilla 8 with resistance to salinity have been released so far. From Rice

Research Station, Kayamkulam, one variety “Sagara” which is a Pure line selection from the traditional

variety Orumundakan was released for cultivation in the saline areas of Karthikappally taluk of Kerala.

Soil problems like acidity, alkalinity and sulphide injury were limiting rice production in the ‘Kari’

areas of Kerala viz., Karumady, Purakkad etc. and breeding works were initiated at RRS, Moncompu

during 1984 to develop rice varieties which can tolerate such soil problems. Two rice varieties viz.,

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Karishma and Krihnanjana were released during 1998 which can tolerate acidity and sulphide injury and

can give moderate levels of yield to farmers.

XIII Constraints in rice production

a. Biotic stress - Insects, Diseases, Nematodes, rodents, and weeds.

Kerala is a hot spot for pests and diseases. The high humidity and temperature of the rice

growing environments during the cropping periods increases the incidence of pests and

diseases. Major insect pests include BPH, Stem borer, Gall midge, leaf roller and rice bug and

minor pests include thrips, case worm, blue beetle, whorl maggot etc. The minor pests are

slowly emerging as major pests threatening rice cultivation in the State.

Fungal diseases like Blast, Sheath blight, Sheath rot, Brown spot, False smut, Leaf scald and grain

discoloration, Bacterial diseases like bacterial leaf blight, and viral diseases like Rice Tungro

Virus, Grassy Stunt Virus etc. cause severe damage to rice crop in Kerala.

Rodents cause almost 25-30 % crop loss in rice in Kuttanad. The major spp. found in Kuttanad rice fields

are Bandicota bengalensis, Tatera indica, and Bandicota indica .

The major weeds of Kerala are Alternanthera, Aeschynomene , Cleome sp., Cyperus sp.,

Echinochloa sp.(Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crusgalli and Echinochloa glabrascence),

Eichornea, Fimbristylis miliaceae, Grangea maderaspatana ,Hydrolea, Monochoria, , Lindernia,

Ludwigia parviflora, Oldenlandia, Phyllanthus, Salvinia, Sphaeranthus indicus ,Sphenoclea

zeylanica, Wild rice etc. Of this, Cyperus sp. is the most abundant weed sp. present in all the

rice growing tracts of Kerala and Grangea maderaspatana is observed mainly in the kole lands of

Kerala .

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b. Abiotic stress – Temperature, cold, drought, water logging, sodic, saline problems.

Salinity

Kerala with its long coastal line of about 580 km has several lagoons or backwaters covering a

very large area linked to the sea. In most of the coastal land, deltaic areas at river mouths and

reclaimed backwaters are either at sea level or 1.0 to 1.5 m below MSL. This leads to intrusion of

sea water upto a distance of 10 to 20 km upstream during high tides. These periodically saline

water inundated lands constitute the major saline soil areas of the State covering an area of

30,000 ha.

Zinc and Copper deficiency

Zinc deficiency is noticed in 30% of Kuttanad area (approx. 9000 ha). Copper deficiency is

noticed in 21% of the Kuttanad area ( approx 6300 ha).

Calcium and Magnesium deficiency

Calcium deficiency is noticed in 30 % of Kuttanad area (approx. 9000 ha). Magnesium deficiency

is noticed in 16 % of Kuttanad area (approx. 4800 ha).

Cold

In High ranges, cold stress is experienced in Winter which coincides with the Punja crop.

Drought

In Palakkad and Onattukara ecosystems, drought is a stress limiting rice production in Kharif

season. Drought is also experienced during the fag end of Rabi season in Eastern Palakkad,

where maximum area is under irrigation and water shortage is experienced during summer

months.

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Flash floods and saline water intrusion in the coastal areas and Kuttanad, drought in Palakkad and

Onattukara, and soil problems including acidity, iron toxicity, sulphide injury etc. in the Kari soils are the

major abiotic stresses limiting rice production in the state

Economics of rice production in the state

Rice is a socially and politically important crop of Kerala. The wet humid tropical climate of Kerala is

conducive to the cultivation of rice and traditionally rice occupied a prime position in Kerala’s agriculture

However, area under rice has been declining over the years, with a possibility of extinction of rice farming

in the state. The livelihood security of the rural agrarian population revolving around rice farming is in

danger. The employment opportunities in this sector, especially for women are declining at a rapid rate.

It has become important to sustain and promote rice cultivation by promoting the multiple livelihood

opportunities linked with rice farming, among the socially and economically disadvantaged groups.

Escalating cost of production is weaning away rice farmers from cultivation. Rice being a labour

intensive crop, apprehensions of agricultural labourers on area conversion are also not unfounded. The

plight of an estimated 50 lakh bovine population of the state can be at stake since paddy straw is their

only source of sustenance. Environmental and ecological implications of large scale area conversion from

rice can be disturbing. For example, in 1975, Kerala’s rice production of 13.5 lakh tons was over 50 per

cent of her consumption requirement. By 2010 the consumption production gap has increased to 84 per

cent. As rice remains the staple food, food security of the state is at stake and dependency on other

States for our staple food is increasing dangerously. Employment prospects of agricultural labourers are

becoming bleak.

The requirement of human labour for rice cultivation is very high in Kerala ie., around 148 man days

constituting more than 70% of the total cost. A study on the decennial changes in the structure of cost

of cultivation per ha. of rice in Kuttanad showed that between 1988 and 1998, share of expenditure on

human labour increased substantially from 42 per cent to 61 per cent and has still increased during 2003-

04. A census on agricultural labourers shows marginal increase, but the fact is that the number of

labourers is also dwindling. There have been reports that average age of women agricultural labour

force in the rice bowls of the state is above 60. This has eroded the efficiency of labour.

The average cost of rice production is highest in Kerala when compared o other States.

As per the latest report of the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices. Government of

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India, the cost of production per ha in Kerala is Rs. 20224 , while the production/ha is only 38.78

quintals. Now with increase in support prices, there is a renewed interest in rice cultivation in

the state

XVII. Strategies and modern techniques to enhance rice production

New strategies need be formulated for achieving the production target of 12 lakh tones during 2008-

09, both through area expansion as well as productivity enhancement. Measures will also be taken to

augment the income from rice based farming to attract more farmers to rice cultivation.

a. Area expansion

Intensive efforts will be taken to arrest further conversion of paddy lands so as to retain the

existing paddy area and at the same time, bring more fallow land under cultivation, promote

lease land cultivation and also convert sizable area from single crop to double crop and double

to triple crop. The programme envisages to enhance the existing area of 2.63 lakh ha to 3.0

lakh ha in a phased manner through

1. Bringing additional area under paddy by cultivating paddy in cultivable fallow lands

2. Increasing upland rice cultivation

b. Productivity enhancement

The current productivity of 2.30/ha has to be increased to 4.0 t/ha so as to achieve the production

target of 12.0 t from 3.0 lakh ha. This increased productivity could be achieved through popularization

of high yielding rice varieties and rice hybrids in larger areas and promotion of scientific rice farming

through group approach in a participatory mode. The programmes envisaged for increasing productivity

of rice in Kerala include

1. Revitalizing Group farming Programme

2. Constitution of farm advisory service for each district

3. Popularization of High Yielding Varieties of rice

4. Integrated nutrient management based on soil test data

5. Organizing frontline demonstrations for maximizing profitability of rice

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6. Production, multiplication and distribution of quality seed to ensure supply of right seeds

in the right quantity at the right time.

7. Integrated Pest Management

8. Encouraging farm mechanization

9. Minimising Post harvest loss

10. Strengthening the Kerala State Seed Development Authority

11. Strengthening of Paddy Development Agencies and other agencies involved in Rice

cultivation in Kerala

12. Providing interest free loan to rice farmers at the start of the season

13. Insurance to paddy crop against natural calamities

c. Augmenting income from rice based farming

Rice farming has to be made more remunerative to attract more farmers for which

measures to augment income from rice based farming has to be formulated. The

programmes envisaged under this programme include

1. Providing supplementary income to rice farmers

2. Popularization of Organic rice and ethnic special rice varieties

3. Integrated rice-fish culture

XVIII. Conclusion and way forward

Food grain production is becoming a matter of concern for India as a whole and Kerala in

particular. Rice is the staple food of malayalees and as Kerala‘s population continues to grow

steadily, demand for rice is also growing. It is only past history that the former princely State of

Travancore, a constituent of the present Kerala, had made great progress in providing food

security for its people and was also exporting rice till the middle of the last century. The food

scene in Kerala is turning grim as factors ranging from global to local accelerate the scarcity and

price hike of food grains. Our land and water resources are declining and we have been

experiencing shortage of our main food grain- rice- even for own consumption at least from the

beginning of the present century. The challenge facing our Government for the next few years

will be to feed the escalating population, keeping the prices low to benefit poor consumers and

reducing production costs to benefit poor growers. To feed a population of 3.2 crores, Kerala

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has to produce approximately 38- 40 lakh tones of food grains every year at the minimum per

capita food availability of 320 g , while the actual production is only around 6 lakh tones, less

than 1/6th

of the requirement. In other words, 84 % of the food grain required for Kerala comes

from neighboring states.

The gap between demand and supply of rice which was around fifty percent till the mid

seventies was widening every year as the area under rice declined at a very fast rate due to large

scale conversion of paddy lands for raising other cash crops such as coconut, rubber, banana,

etc. or for residential purposes. Since the mid seventies, area under rice in Kerala has been

declining continuously. In 1970-71 the gross area under paddy was 8.75 lakh ha. This came

down to 2.29 lakhs ha in 2007-08. An examination of the data on area and production in rice in

Kerala during the last three decades shows that there is decline to the tune of 73.6 % in rice

area with a corresponding decrease of 54.2 % in production. At present, rice is grown in a

gross area of 2.34 lakh ha producing 6.25 lakh tonnes with a productivity of 2671 kg.

With the gap between production and requirement of food grain widening every year, Kerala’s food

scene is turning gloomy. The steeping increase in food prices indicates the state’s large dependence on

other states and an urgent need of a mechanism to face the imminent food crisis. While keeping rice

prices low remains in the best interests of poverty reduction, it can hurt poor rice growers in rural areas

where the size of land holdings are small and rice farming is the main source of employment to the

family. Rice related policies need to take into account the possible impacts- positive and negative – on

those who depend on rice as a source of food as well as income. Hence increasing rice production while

keeping production costs low should the first step in reducing poverty especially in rural areas.

Among the strategies for increasing rice production in the State, area expansion needs immediate

attention since Kerala cannot afford to any more conversion of paddy lands , ecologically or

economically. The Kerala Conservation Of Paddy Land And Wetland Act, 2008 has to be implemented in

its true sense to arrest further conversion of paddy lands and to protect the existing paddy lands. The

ecosystem services provided by the rice systems need be recognized and intensive efforts have to be

taken to bring back all the fallow land under cultivation by providing institutional support for developing

the required infra structural facilities and by promoting lease land cultivation wherever owners of paddy

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lands are unable to continue rice farming. There is also scope of horizontal expansion of area under rice

cultivation during Kharif by exploiting the potential of upland rice. Coconut based cropping system is the

most predominant cropping system of Kerala which offers wide scope for raising upland rice as an

intercrop in coconut garden. In Kerala, coconut is raised in an area of about 8.99 lakh ha . An area of

6000-7000 ha per year can be brought under upland cultivation, using appropriate varieties and

technologies. There is also possibility of expansion of area through increasing crop intensity in areas

where irrigation facilities are available.

Another relevant question that arises is whether we will be able to increase the food grain production in

the coming years once the net-cropped area remains the same. Much of the additional food demand in

the future will have to be met through productivity enhancement. The current productivity of of 2.6 t/ha

has to be increased to 5.0 t/ha so as to achieve the production target of 15.0 lakh tones by 2015. There

are good short- and medium-term potentials for increasing rice yield levels, cropping intensity and unit

area productivity in the different rice ecosystems. The production constraints in different areas and

regions may be identified and separate packages need be formulated for increasing productivity.

Maximum productivity potentials can be achieved by developing appropriate irrigation facilities for

double cropping in lowland areas. This is especially relevant is the Districts of Palakkad, Malappuram

and Wayanad , where the higher productivity of Rabi/ Summer rice can be exploited by creating or

improving the irrigation facilities. The timely availability of inputs especially quality seeds is to be ensured

for increasing the production of rice.

As the population keeps growing, water scarcity and competition for water will be on the high. To keep

up with the food needs of our increasing population, rice cultivation has to adapt to water scarcity,

drought, flooding, salinity and also threats posed by erratic climates imposed by climate change. Climate

change may impact our food grain production and productivity in more ways than one. It is expected to

increase the frequency of droughts and floods and also increase temperatures which will have a negative

impact on yields. Simulations predict that for every 10C rise in temperature, there is a corresponding 7%

decline in rice yield. Developing rice varieties that are less sensitive to such changes is the option for

thriving such situations. Greater investment in research and extension is needed to meet these

challenges.

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XIX. Future thrust in rice production technologies

Among the rice production technologies, development of suitable machines for the differenrt ec

osystems of Kerala is of prime importance considering the shrinking labour force of the state. Other areas

which needs consideration are

1. Conservation and molecular characterisation of land races of Kerala for specific attributes

2. Developing climate resilient rice varieties esp. varieties for heat and drought stress,

submergence and salinity.

3. Development of suitable varieties for irrigated and rainfed ecosystems through

recombination breeding in conjunction with marker assisted selection

4. Research on medicinal rices of Kerala,including collection, conservation and utilisation of the

medicinal rice diversity in Kerala, Nutritional and biochemical profiling of the medicinal rice

germplasm, Documentation of ITK on the medicinal rice cultivars in Kerala, Clinical validation of

the medicinal properties of the medicinal rice cultivars,Breeding programmes to improve the

plant architecture to make them more acceptable for wider use and production and supply of

quality seeds of the required varieties.

5. Genetic enhancement of nutritive value of rice through conventional and

biotechnological tools.

6. Development of high yielding red rice hybrids suited for Kerala with better grain quality and pest and disease resistance.

7. Development of reliable markers for genes conferring biotic and abiotic stress resistance, yield

and quality related trait genes and their effective utilization of marker technology in crop

improvement.

8. Identification, characterization and functional analysis of novel genes or better alleles

related to stress tolerance, yield and quality traits, nutrient and resource use efficiency

using functional genomic and bioinformatics tools.

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9. Bridging the yield gap through identifying productivity constraints in each eco system and

developing remedial measures

10. Agronomic management for harnessing maximum output through increased resource

use efficiency

11. Integrated nutrient and crop management strategies to increase unit area production.

12. Developing Organic farming and Integrated crop management approaches for

sustainability of rice farming systems.

13. Efficient use of biomass on the farm achieving a higher level of energy sufficiency and use

of solar, wind and water energy which can provide much needed additional energy in

farming systems.

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Reference

1. KAU .1989. NARP Status Report Central Zone Vol. I Directorate of Extension, Kerala

Agricultural University, Thrissur . p 53-60

2. KAU 2007. Package of Practices, Directorate of Extension Kerala Agricultural University Thrissur .

3. Leena Kumary. S .2004. Genetic Improvement of rice varieties in Kerala. In Sharma S. D and U.

Prasada Rao ( eds) Genetic Improvement of rice varieties of India . Today and Tomorrow

Publishers, New Delhi. P. 689-741

4. Leena Kumary. S. 2007. Biodiversity of rice in Kerala. In Paddy cultivation in Kerala (Ed) Dr. A.E.

Muthunayagam and Published by Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment

p.33-45

rice in kerala - rice knowledge management...

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