Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a geographical region in the Indian state of Kerala, located along the southern part of the Vembanad Lake and spanning parts of the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. It is renowned for farming below sea level, with paddy fields maintained by a historic polder system and embankments. Often described as the rice bowl of Kerala, the area produces a significant share of the state's paddy and supports a high cropping intensity.

Geography and irrigation: The region sits at or just below sea level, with fields interlaced by a network of canals, waterways, and sluices. Water management relies on pumping stations, tidal sluices, and embankments to drain inland water during the monsoon and protect fields from backwater during high tides. Kuttanad lies within the Vembanad-Kol Wetlands, a Ramsar site, underscoring its ecological importance.

Economy and culture: Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is the backbone of Kuttanad's economy, complemented by fisheries and tourism. The backwaters and pastoral landscapes attract visitors for houseboat cruises and rural tourism, contributing to regional livelihoods.

Environment and challenges: The area is vulnerable to flooding, storms, rising sea levels, and land subsidence. Sustainable farming practices, wetland conservation, and climate adaptation are central to regional planning.