Kuttanad: Complete Details about the Lowest Point of India

Did you know that India has a region that lies below sea level? Kuttanad, a stunning area in the state of Kerala, holds the unique distinction of being the lowest point in India, nestled beautifully between verdant paddy fields and shimmering backwaters. Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” Kuttanad’s unique ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and agricultural practices make it one of the most fascinating regions in the country.

Lowest Point of India

• The lowest point in India is Kuttanad, located in the state of Kerala. This region is unique because it lies about 2.2 meters below sea level.

Where Is Kuttanad Located?

• Kuttanad is located in the state of Kerala, in the southern part of India, primarily within the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta.

• It lies within the broader area of Kerala’s backwaters, an intricate network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes.

History of Kuttanad

• The first recorded history of Kerala comes from the Sangam period literature.

• Uthiyan Cheralathan (also known as Perum Chorru Udiyan Cheralathan, Athan I, or Udiyanjeral) was the first recorded ruler of the Chera dynasty during this period.

• He had his capital at Kuzhumur in Kuttanad (which is in central Kerala).

• Uthiyan Cheralathan expanded his kingdom to the north and east from his homeland.

• His rule is estimated to be between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD.

• His queen was Veliyan Nallini, who was the daughter of Veliyan Venman.

• Uthiyan Cheralathan was a contemporary of the Chola ruler Karikala Chola.

• He was praised for his strong elephant corps and cavalry.

• The present-day Changanacherry area in Kuttanad was the capital of his kingdom.

• The region of Kuttanad got its name from the Kuttuva tribe, who originally lived there.

• According to Sangam literature, Uthiyan Cheralathan was defeated in the Battle of Venni by Karikala Chola, and his capital was burnt down.

Kuttanad’s Unique Geography

Below Sea Level Wonder

• Kuttanad is one of the very few places in the world where farming occurs below sea level, making it a geographical marvel.

• The area is located about 2 to 3 meters below sea level, and yet, through centuries of human ingenuity, farmers have successfully cultivated crops, especially rice.

Agricultural Land in Kuttanad

• The landscape of Kuttanad is dominated by vast stretches of paddy fields, interspersed with canals and backwaters.

• This low-lying region relies heavily on water management systems to protect it from flooding and ensure the availability of fresh water for irrigation.

Rice Bowl of Kerala

Why Kuttanad Is Known as the Rice Bowl

Kuttanad is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” because:

• Rice farming is the main occupation in Kuttanad, with rice being the most important agricultural product.

• The region produces a large portion of Kerala’s rice, which is why it earned this title.

• Vast areas of land near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed for farming to expand rice cultivation.

• Paddy cultivation in Kuttanad has a long history, going back centuries, and has evolved with technological advancements.

• The unique geographical conditions, with farming done below sea level, make Kuttanad ideal for growing rice.

• The farmers of Kuttanad are also known for their expertise in Biosaline Farming.

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognized the Kuttanad Farming System as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2013, further highlighting its significance in rice production.

Paddy Cultivation Practices in Kuttanad

Geographic and Agricultural Importance

• Kuttanad is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Kerala, known for its unique paddy cultivation practices.
• Rice is cultivated over 55,000 hectares of land, commonly referred to as Punja lands.
• This region is composed of numerous contiguous rice fields called padasekharams (or polders) which are separated by channels and bunds (embankments).

Contribution to Kerala’s Rice Production

• Kuttanad produces 20% of Kerala’s total rice output.
• Rice cultivation in this region plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Kerala, where domestic production meets only about 30% of the state’s food grain requirement.

Historical Reclamation of Land

• A significant portion of Kuttanad’s low-lying rice fields was reclaimed from the Vembanad Lake, particularly after the Second World War and the Bengal Famine.
• The reclamation was driven by state policies aimed at increasing rice production and private intervention.
• Over time, this process reduced the size of the Vembanad Lake by approximately 65%.

Challenges Due to Environmental Changes

• Reclamation and large-scale deforestation, especially in the Western Ghats, led to heavy sedimentation in the Vembanad Lake, with an annual sediment yield estimated at 32 million tonnes.
• This sedimentation, combined with intensive agriculture in the high ranges, posed threats to the water systems and the ecosystem.

Natural Threats to Paddy Cultivation

• Kuttanad is located in a deltaic region formed by four major river systems and falls within the intertidal zone of an estuary.
• Paddy cultivation faces several challenges, including:
  • Flooding during the monsoon season.
  • Saline water intrusion from the Arabian Sea during the summer months.

Flood Control Measures

• To address the issue of frequent flooding, the Thottapally Spillway was constructed to allow floodwaters to drain quickly into the Arabian Sea.

• Although the spillway hasn’t fully controlled flooding, it has enabled farmers to cultivate an additional crop of rice on 20,000 hectares.

Salinity Control

• To prevent saltwater intrusion, a saltwater regulator was built at the Vembanad estuary, effectively dividing the backwaters into:
  • A freshwater lake in the south.
  • A saline lagoon in the north.

• However, the incomplete construction of the barrage (with about one-third of it still earthen) has led to slower drainage of floodwaters during the monsoon season and caused ecological changes in the region.

Environmental Impact of Infrastructure Development

• The introduction of granite bunds (to replace traditional earthen bunds) aimed at allowing the cultivation of an additional rice crop during monsoons has caused significant damage to the environment in the upper parts of Kuttanad.

Agricultural Adaptation

• Despite these challenges, the unique agricultural practices of Kuttanad have evolved over time, adapting to the region’s dynamic water conditions and monsoon cycles.
• The use of polders, bunds, and various water management structures showcases the innovative ways farmers manage the land to support rice production.

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

• Kuttanad’s paddy cultivation is recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), owing to its distinctive and sustainable agricultural practices.

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Kuttanad’s Climate and Environment

Tropical Climate and Rainfall

• Kuttanad experiences a tropical climate with heavy monsoons. The region gets ample rainfall, which is crucial for both the backwaters and paddy cultivation. However, the monsoon season also poses challenges like floods and waterlogging.

Flooding Issues and Water Management

• Floods are a common occurrence in Kuttanad during the monsoon season. Despite this, the people of Kuttanad have developed effective water management techniques over time. However, climate change has made floods more frequent and unpredictable, leading to concerns about the future of agriculture in the region.

Historical Significance of Kuttanad

Ancient Cultivation Methods

• The history of Kuttanad’s agriculture dates back thousands of years. Ancient farmers developed intricate systems to manage water and cultivate paddy fields in the unique environment of the backwaters. These methods have been passed down through generations and are still in use today.

Kuttanad in Kerala’s History

• Kuttanad has played a significant role in Kerala’s history, not just as a center for rice production but also as a hub of trade, culture, and tradition. The region’s waterways facilitated trade between different parts of Kerala and beyond, contributing to its economic importance.

Lowest Point of India

• Kuttanad, located in Kerala, holds the distinction of being the lowest point in India, situated about 2.2 meters below sea level.

• Spanning across the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, it is one of the rare regions in the world where farming is practiced below sea level.

• This unique geographical feature makes Kuttanad significant, as its innovative agricultural techniques, particularly for paddy cultivation, have adapted to the challenging conditions, contributing substantially to Kerala’s rice production and food security.

Challenges Facing Kuttanad

Frequent Flooding

• Kuttanad is highly prone to floods, especially during the monsoon season. Despite infrastructure like the Thottappally Spillway, flood management remains inadequate, affecting agriculture and local livelihoods.

Salinity Intrusion

• During the summer, seawater from the Arabian Sea enters the region, increasing salinity in the water, which hampers paddy cultivation and reduces freshwater availability.

Waterlogging and Bund Breaches

• Improper maintenance of bunds (embankments) and blocked waterways lead to frequent waterlogging, bund breaches, and crop losses.

Environmental Damage

• Intensive agriculture and deforestation in the surrounding areas have caused silting of rivers and lakes, leading to reduced water capacity and ecosystem damage.

Aquatic Weed Proliferation

• The growth of aquatic weeds, such as water hyacinth, has increased due to eutrophication and a lack of salinity, further disrupting water flow, navigation, and fish populations.

Reduced Vembanad Lake Area

• Reclamation activities have reduced the size of Vembanad Lake by 65%, decreasing its flood-holding capacity and affecting the region’s natural water flow​

Efforts to Preserve Kuttanad

Community Involvement and Research

• Local stakeholders, including farmers, fish workers, and scientists, are actively involved in preserving Kuttanad’s unique ecosystem. Studies like the MSSRF Report and the Indo-Dutch Water Management Study provide long-term solutions for environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience.

Construction of Spillways and Regulators

• The Thottappally Spillway was built to manage floodwaters by draining excess water into the Arabian Sea. Additionally, saltwater regulators were constructed, such as the Thanneermukkam Bund, to prevent the intrusion of saline water during the dry season, thereby protecting paddy cultivation.

Flood Control Measures

• Efforts to improve flood control in Kuttanad include deepening channels, strengthening bunds, and enhancing the maintenance of water systems. These actions help in mitigating flood damage during the monsoon.

Agricultural Innovations

• Farmers in Kuttanad have adopted sustainable practices like Biosaline Farming, which allows cultivation in saline-affected areas. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) recognition by the FAO has further emphasized the importance of preserving traditional farming methods.

Waterway Restoration

• Clearing of waterways blocked by silt and aquatic weeds is an ongoing effort. Projects focus on removing weeds like water hyacinth and dredging canals to restore natural water flow and improve navigation.

Sustainable Development Programs

• The Kuttanad Package, initiated by the government, addresses environmental issues, promotes sustainable agriculture, and aims to improve water management. This includes collaboration with experts to introduce eco-friendly farming techniques and modern infrastructure for flood and salinity control.

Kuttanad’s Economic Importance

Kuttanad is a key economic hub in Kerala, known for its thriving agriculture, fishing, and tourism industries.

• Farming: The region’s fertile soil and abundant water resources make it ideal for large-scale rice cultivation, earning it the title of the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Kuttanad produces nearly 20% of the state’s rice, making it vital to Kerala’s food security. The unique practice of below-sea-level farming further adds to its agricultural significance.

• Fishing: Kuttanad’s extensive network of backwaters supports a flourishing fishing industry. Local families depend on the harvest of freshwater and brackish water fish, contributing both to food supply and livelihoods.

• Tourism: Tourism, especially houseboat tourism, is another major contributor to Kuttanad’s economy. The scenic beauty of the backwaters attracts tourists from across the globe, boosting local businesses and creating jobs in the hospitality and services sectors.

Contribution to Kerala’s Economy

• Kuttanad is a cornerstone of Kerala’s economy, providing essential agricultural output, particularly rice, which supports the state’s food needs.

• Additionally, the region’s booming tourism industry draws visitors worldwide, generating significant revenue for both the local and state economies.

• The combination of agriculture, fishing, and tourism ensures that Kuttanad remains an essential contributor to Kerala’s economic growth and sustainability.

Conclusion

Kuttanad is not just the lowest point in India but a region of immense natural beauty, agricultural richness, and cultural significance. From its unique farming techniques to its picturesque backwaters, Kuttanad represents the harmonious relationship between nature and human ingenuity. As climate change threatens its future, it is more important than ever to preserve this national treasure for future generations.

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