Kerala Agricultural Knowledge

Kerala Agricultural Knowledge 


Kerala has a rich tradition of indigenous agricultural knowledge passed down through generations, deeply connected to its environment, biodiversity, and climate patterns. Some key aspects of traditional farming practices in Kerala include:

1. Paddy Cultivation & Pokkali Farming

Pokkali Rice Farming: A unique organic farming method practiced in coastal regions, where salt-tolerant rice varieties are grown in rotation with shrimp farming.

Kaipad System: Another saline-resistant rice cultivation method in North Kerala, utilizing tidal flows for irrigation.

2. Integrated Farming Systems

Kudumbashree & Home Gardens: Women-led community farming movements and homestead gardens (multi-tier cropping) ensure food security and sustainability.

Kavu & Sacred Groves: Traditional forest patches near homes that preserve biodiversity and medicinal plants.

3. Traditional Irrigation Practices

Surangam: A tunnel-based water harvesting system, similar to qanats, used in Kasaragod to provide groundwater for farming.

Ponds & Kettu Vellam: Traditional water conservation structures used to store rainwater and manage monsoon flooding.

4. Crop Diversity & Indigenous Seeds

Kerala farmers use indigenous rice varieties like Navara (medicinal rice), Gandhakasala, and Jeerakasala, which are climate-resilient and nutrient-rich.

The use of traditional tubers (yam, taro) and millets promotes biodiversity and food security.

5. Agroforestry & Coconut-Based Farming

Coconut-based mixed cropping with spices like black pepper, areca nut, nutmeg, and clove is a sustainable farming practice.

Miyawaki Forest Method has been adapted in Kerala to restore degraded land with native species.

6. Natural & Organic Farming

Kerala promotes zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF), using cow dung, neem, and other bio-inputs.

Panchagavya & Jeevamrutham: Organic fertilizers made from cow products and herbal extracts.

7. Traditional Pest Control & Soil Fertility Practices

Neem leaves, tobacco extracts, and fish amino acid solutions are used for pest control.

Crop rotation and intercropping prevent soil depletion and maintain fertility.

Modern Revival & Challenges

Kerala’s Jaiva Karshika Samithi (Organic Farmers Collective) and Indigenous Seed Banks work to preserve traditional farming wisdom.

However, land fragmentation, climate change, and urbanization pose challenges to traditional agriculture.






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