RICE ECONOMY OF KERALA

Rice, Olyaut sativa, belongs to the family of grasses, 'Gramineae',

the most important family of plants comprising of wheat, maize, cholam, ragi,

sugar cane, and a1 1 fodder grasses. The generic name 'Oly aza' derived from the

Arabic, 'Armzz' ( A l - m ) which has its origin in the Dravidian name 'Arsi' of

which the Malayalam word ' Ari ' for rice is later derivation. The word Arsi in

turn is considered to be derived fiom the original Malayalam word 'Erus'.

Table. 2.1

Vernacular Names of Rice

Rice is ane of the earliest of the crops to come under cultivation. It

is the main staple food of half the worlds population. Rice is a symbol of cultural

identity and global unity. Rice is the world's most popular food. It is cultivated

in 113 countries and provides 27 per cent of dietomy energy supply and 20

percent dietomy protein intake. Paddy cultivation is the principal activity and

source of income for about 100 million households in Asia and Africa. About

4/5 of the world's rice is produced by small scale farrnm and consumed locally.

So world trade in rice is less than 5 percent of total production.

History of rice cultivation

The term Agriculture is derived from the latin words 'ager' or 'agri'

meaning soil and 'cultura' meaning cultivation. Agriculture is a very broad term

encompassing all aspects of crop production, Iive stock farming, fisheries,

forestry etc. Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science which deals with

principles and practice of soil, water and crop management. This tam is derived

from Greek words 'agros' meaning field and 'nornos' meaning to manage.

The earliest man 'Homo Creetus' emerged around one and half million

years ago and by about a million years ago, he spread throughout old world tropics

and to later to temperate zones. About five hundred thousand years ago, he learned

to control and use fire. The earliest man is distinguished from fellow animals

by his intelligence and skill in making tools.

'Homo sapiens' the direct ancestor of modern man lived two hundred

and fifty thousand years ago - Homo sapiens sapiens'. The modern man appeared

in Afica about thirty five thousand years ago. He is distinguished from all other

existing species of the 'Genus Homo' by large brain, small teeth and chin and

capacity for making and using tools. He hunted variety of animals and cooked

their meat on fire. The weapons for hunting were boulders and spears of wood

tipped with blades of flint. He also used stone tipped mows. Later, he

domesticated the dog which greatly helped him in hunting. Apart from the meat

of animals he gathered variety of seeds, leaves and h i t s from the jungle.

It is estimated that most eficient hunting and gathering can hardly

support one person per square kilometer while pastoral life can support three

persons and agriculture about a hundred persons. He had no control over fwd

supply and was unable to clothe and shelter adequately. During the period 8700

BC to 7700 BC he domesticated animals and turned a herds man. He first

domesticated sheep and later goat. Between the period 7500 BC to 6500 BC,

man gradually shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Stones were

used for cutting trees and fire for burning forests. Grains of cereals were dibbled

with the aid ofpointed sticks. Later on stone - hoes with wooden handles were

invented. The cereals grown during this period were meat and barley and later

rice, maize and millets. Subsequently he domesticated cattle, pigs, horses and

ass.

Table. 2.2

Immrtant events in the Histow of Agriculture

Period

Source: "A History of Agriculture in India Vol I & I1 By hndhawa M.S. (1 980)

41

Events

. 8700 BC 7700 BC 7500 BC 6000 BC

, 4400 BC 3500 BC 3400 BC

_ 3000 BC . 2900 BC 2700 BC 2300 BC 2200 BC 2200 BC 1800 BC 1725 BC

, 1700 BC 1500 BC 1400 BC

1 Sh centaury AD Pome granate

16* century AD

Domestication of shew Domestication of Goat

Cultivation of wheat and barlev Domestication of Cattle and Pigs Cultivation of maize Cultivation of Potato Invention of Wheel

Use of Bronze to make tools Invention of ploun21. Irrigation in fanning Domesticatioin Silk-moth in China Cultivation of chickma. pear Sarson and cotton Cultivation of Paddv (rice) Domestication of fowl, buffalo and Elephant Cultivation of finger millet magi) - Cultivation of Sor&lun Taminn of horse Cultivation of Sugar cane. invention of wells. Use of iron - - - - - -

Cultivation of sweet orange, sour orange, wild brinjal,

Introduction of several crops into India by Portuguese: Potato, sweet arrowroot, cassane, Tomato, chillies, pumpkin, Papaya, Pineapple, guava, custardapple, ground nut, cashewnut, Tobacco, Americar cotton, rubber.

Earlier than 10000 BC Huns Gathering \

Agriculture has no simple and single origin. It was started in different

parts of the world during different periods. Present day adculture in India as

elsewhere has evolved helf through ages. As India was a pastoral cwntry before

agriculture was started, development of crops and animals took place

concurrently leading to various types of fanning systems that are now seen in

different parts of the country.

India's most important contribution to world agriculture is rice, the

staple food crop of most of South, South-East and East Asia. Sugar cane, number

of legumes and tropical fruit like mango, are at so natives of India. Indus valley

and Harappa civilization flourished from the close of the third millennium BC.

Excavations in this area revealed huge granaries. Barley, wheat, seasame, peas,

date palm, cotton and textiles were the main crops during this period. Wooden

pIough and wheat carte were in use. Farmers used siling-balls for searing.

Harappens were aware of spinning and weaving of cotton into cloth.

In later Vedic texts (1000-500 BC) there are references to cultivation

of a wide range of cereals, vegetables, h i t s and use of iron implements.

Ploughing the soil several times, broadcasting seeds, fallowing and certain

sequence of cropping is also mentioned Cowdung was used as manure. Irrigation

of crops was common. Operations of harvesting threshing and winnowing are

also described in Vedic texts. Monumental irrigation works were executed as

early as first century AD.

Rice-A World Scenario

Rice, though principally a tropical crop requiring high temperature

and humidity for its growth, is cultivated both in the tropical and subtropical

areas extending from 40" South to 4 5 O North of latitude. However most of the

rice producing area lies between equator 40" North and between 70" to 140°E

longhide. It occupies 256 million acres, with an avaage annual production of

about 116 million tonnes of clean rice.

Geographical Conditions

Climate:- Rice requires very hot and humid conditions. As such it

thrives in areas of high temperature and heavy rain fall. During the growing

season temperature should not be less than 75°F. There should also be much

water both in and upon the soil. Average mual rainfdl varying h m 40" to 60"

is required for successful cultivation of rice. In areas with less than 40" of

rainf..l, rice cultivation is hardly possible except with irrigation. For. the paddy

plant requires swamp, moist conditions during the period of its growth: it is

ideal if the fields get flooded. During the ripening perid a hot, dry climate is

desirable.

Soil:- Rice is grown on a variety of soils such as alluvial soil, red

soil, black soil, clayey soil etc. Soil with a light loam on the surface to allow

root development and a heavy clayey layer a short distance below the surface

soil to retain water at the root is considered to be most ideal for rice cultivation.

Rice requires extremely level land so that water will remain stagnant during the

growing season-upland or hi11 rice can be grown on hill slopes, but the bulk of

rice grown in the world is lowland or swamp rice, which requires level or flooded

fields. The largest rice growing area as of the world are the river basis, deltas

and coastal plains situated with in the tropics.

Rice producing couatries in the world

Rice is grown on at1 the continents of the world. As a global food, it

has a large influence on human nutrition and food security all over the world.

Rice is a crop of the tropical regions especially of the monsoon lands, As such

the important rice growing areas of the world are situated in Asia, where the

monsoon is most predominant. Monsoon lands of Asia satisfy not only the

climatic and soil conditions But dso have a large supply of cheap labour, which

is essential for rice cultivation. About 90 per cent of the world's rice is gown

in Asia. The important rice producing countries of Asia are China, India, Burma,

Malaysia, Pakistan , Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Formosa, Japan,

Srilanka, Laos, Combodia and Philippines. China is the largest producer of rice

and India ranks second.

Non-Asian countries producing rice include Egypt (UAR) Italy, Spain,

Yugoslavia, U.S.A., Brazil and Australia. Wing to climatic limitations Europe

produces only about 0.5 percent of the world production. U.S.A. produces on an

average 6 million metric tonnes of rice, annually.

Countries Producilm. Consumine. Exmrtine and Importinp Rice

Major Rice Producing countries

China

India

Indonesia

V i m

Bangladesh

Thailand

Burma

Brazil

J?Pfm

Philippines

United States

Pakistan

Korea- South

E m t

Taiwan

Australia

Major Consuming Countries

China

hdia

Indonesia

Bangladesh

Vietnam

Burma

Japan

Thailand

Brazil

Philippines

Korea South

United States

E m

kart

Korea North

Taiwan

South M c a

Major Expwting Countries

ThaiIand

Iktmm

United States

India

China

Pakistan

UVY

Australia

Argentina

GUY-

Burma

Major Importing Countries 1 Indonesia

Bangladesh Philippines

Brazil Nigeria

Saudi Arabia Japan

Malaysia Senegal

Cote d'Ivories South Africa

Cuba Singapore Mexico Guinea

Korea North Russia

United States Tilrkey Canada

Eastern Europe Haiti China Peru Syria

Colombia Gharna

Srilanka Yemen Jordan

Korea South UAE

Costa Rica Jamica

C ~ ~ # having Stocks of rice

China India

Indonesia Philippines

United States Kenia South

Thailand Brazil

Pakistan Buma

Source: India grains. Vol. 1, No. 4 August 1999.

Table. 2.3

Distribution of rice area in selected countries

Source : IRRl Rice Almanac I1 Edition 1997

Country

India

China

Indonesia

J a ~ a n

RqbkofKcm

EWPt

Australia

USA

'fie Table 2.3 shows India has the Iargest area of cuItivation followed

by China and Indonesia. Australia, Japan and Republic of Korea rank first in the

area of irrigated land. China has 92.7 percent irrigated land but India has only

43.8 percent. This also affects the productivity of paddy. India has the largest

flood prone area, naturally rice cultivation in this area may be a gamble with

monsoon.

Rice Area

(OOOha)

42649

33019

10282

2049

1208

462

89

1123

Distribution of Rice Area in % 7

higated

43.0

92.7

72.0

99.0

99.0

100

2 00

100

W f e d

30. L

5.6

7.8

00

00

00

00

00

Flood

prone

11.4

00

6.4

00

00

00

00

00

Upland

14.6

1.7

13.8

1 .O

1 .O

00

00

00

Table 2.4

Area, Production and Pmducthitv of selected rice emvine countries

Source: FA0 Year Book 1999.

Table 2.4 shows India has the largest area of rice cultivation but she

is second to China in the production of rice. Egypt and Australia have the lowest

area of rice cultivation. In India rice is grown mainly in monsoon climatic

regions. Lack of infrastructure facilities such as irrigation, mechanization,

fertilizers, non-application of HYV

48

Country

India

China

Indonesia

Japan

Republic of Korea

Egy~t

USA

Australia

Area

OOha

44800

31720

1 1624

1788

1059

65 5

1442

140

Production O O O M T

87904

134334.3

33 187.7

7684.2

4871.5

3896.7

6395.8

944.7

Productivity Ton/&

f .96

4.23

2.85

4.29

4 -60

5.95

4.43

6.74

seeds etc. are the constraints in the low productivity of rice in India. Australia

has only 140 thousand ha of rice field and about 100 percent area is irrigated.

She tops in the rice productivity as many important factors such as irrigation,

mechanization, fertilizer application, use of HYV seeds etc. are very much being

followed.

Table. 2.5

Comparative yield of rice in different countries

Source : Statistics at a glance, Ministry of Agriculture GO1

Sl. No. 1

2

3

4

5

6

Fig. 2.1

Comparative' Productivity of Rice in different countries

Country India

China

Japan

USA

lndonesia

Vieham

I Japan

lndonesm

gV~etnam

Productivityka (kg) 1994

632 1

6414

6622

426 1

4 105

Rice Production in India - An analysis

Rice is the most important crop and it occupies the largest area in the

Indian Union, and she is the second largest producer in the world next only to

China. India has appropriate varieties and vast under utilized potential to meet

the growing demand of rice. Rice is grown in almost all the states of India, but

its cultivation is mostly concentrated in the river valleys, deltas, and low lying

coastal areas of North-Eastern and Southem India, comprising the States of

Andhrapradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kamabka, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra,

Madhya Pradesh, O?lssa, Chathis& Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The growth

of rice production since independence has been impressive in terms of volume

of production. However, the dependence of climate is still a very dominant

factor in most parts of the country because of the infrastructure hcilities such

as irrigation, electricity, fertilizer, transportation etc. have not been developed

to the required level. Even now a bad mammon drastically alters the production

of rice and socio-economic condition of fanners. There are other factors, which

do have significant impact on rice production like land holding, seeds, fertilizers,

irrigation and many more. The factors that determine production can be

categorized in to two ways as controlled factors and uncontrolled factors. Land

holding, fatilizer use, seeds and technology are controlled me, wherests rainfdl,

naturalcalamities etc. are uncontrolled ones, Shortage of rainfall can also be

termed as partially controlled factors as irrigation facilities could nullify the

shortage of rainfall to a great extent.

in India food security as a national objective was placed on the policy

agenda much earlier than in other developed and developing countries. The gmwth

of rice cultivation, since independence has been impressive in terms of volume

of production.

Table. No, 2.6

Area and Production of Rice in British Provinces

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries England Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (K. Rarniah, 1937)

States

Assam

Bengal

Bihar and Orissa

BwnbayindudingSindh

Burma

Central province

Madras

United Province

Total

Area of Production (000

Year

1 977-26

4487

20793

14446

3068

11996

5:193

10968

7178

78129

Production (000 Tans) acres)

Year

1927-30

4554

20604

14015

3142

12691

5486

11 285

6902

78679

Year

1922-26

1527

7968

4636

1355

473 9

1460

4947

2 168

28800

Year

1927-30

1464

8615

5466

1372

4818 ,

1605

5259

1709

30308

During 1922-26 rice was cultivated in only 78 129 thousand Acres and

produced 28800 thousand t o m during 1927-30, there was a slight expansion

of area under cultivation which in tulm increased the area to 78679 thousand

Acres of land and produced 30308 thousand Tomes of rice. The per capita

production of rice was as low as 50 gms.

Percaaita availability of Rice in India

Source : Economic Survey 2001

The above table shows that after independence, the per capita

availability of food grains especially rice per day and wheat per day is showing

an increasing trend. During and after independence period the per capita

rice availability was only 58 -/day against 73.8 gmfday. Food grains/

day availability was also increased from 394.9 @day to 470.4/gm/day during

200 1. This figures show the remarkable progress achieved by India after a period

of 50 years. Now India is self smcient in fwd grains.

Table. 2'8

The Gross Cro~wd Area UnderK

Note: figures in brackets denote percentages

Source: Government of India. Ofice of Agriculture Commissioner July 2003

53

(Area million ha)

Crop

Total Cropped Area (GrosscroppedArea)

1950-5 1

131.89

1960-61

152.77

Rice

Wheat

Coarse Cereals

Pulses

Oi lseeds

Cotton

Sugar Cane

Potato

40.1 5 (23.26)

22.28 (12.91)

41.78 (24.20)

22.46 (13.01)

17.60 (10.19)

7.82 (4.53)

2.67 (1.55)

0.73 0.43)

1980-81

172,63

30.81 (23.26)

9.75 (7.39)

37-67 (28.56)

19.09 (14.47)

10.73 (8.14)

5.88 (4.46)

1.71 (1.30)

0.24 (0.18)

--- 42.69

(22.98)

24. I7 (13.01)

36.32 (19.55)

24.66 (13.28)

24.15 (13.00)

7.44 (4.01)

3.69 1.99)

0.94 (0.51)

34.13 (22.34

12.93 (8.46)

44.96 (29.43)

23.56 (15.42)

13.77 (9.01)

7.01 (4.98)

2.42 (1.59)

6.38 (0.25)

44.80 (23.26)

27.52 (14.29)

29.34 (15.23)

22.87 (1.87)

26.23 (13.62)

9.34 (4.85)

4.05 (2.10)

1.32 (0.68)

1990-91

185.74

1998-99

192.62

Table 2.8 shows that the gross cropped area has increased to 40 million

ha over the period of last 40 years. However. there has been d i h t i a l behaviour

in this increase. Of the total increase, rice and wheat alone account for 25.26

million ha while oil seeds account for 12.46 million ha. The area under pulses

has been almost constant over decades. (22.23 million ha) while that of coarse

cereals has reduced by 1 5.62 million ha.

An overall analysis ofthe data in Table 2.8 indicates that the present

area under rice has been almost constant (22-23 percent) over the years. Area

under wheat has increased from 7.38 percent in 1950-51 to 14.29 percent in

1998-99. Area under rice cultivation has been increased fiorn 30.8 1 lakh ha to

44.80 lakh ha in 1998-99. The total cropped area also shows increasing trend,

The total cropped area of 13 1 3 9 lakh ha in 1950-5 1 has increased to 192.62

lakh ha., by 1998-99. It was 192.62 l& ha, about 61 lakh ha of further land

were utilized for agricultural purposes. The production of food grains was also

increased to a large extend and India attained self sufficiency in food grains.

This can definitely be considered as a remarkable achievement.

Table. 2.9

India's Population and its ~rowth from 1901 to 2001

Census year

1901

1911

1921

1931

1941

195 1

1961

1971

198 1

1991

200 1

Source: Census Reports GO1

Population (in lakhs)

2383.9

2520,9

2513.2

2789.8

3 186.6

36 10.9

4392.3

5481.6

6833.3

8433.9

10270.2

Decadal growth Rate

-

5.75

0.3 1

1 1 .oo

14.22

13.3 1

2 1.64

24.80

24.66

23.86

21.34

Fig. 2.2

Population of India from 1901 to 2001

As per 195 1 census report, India had more than 36 crores of people

and population increased to 103 crores by 200 1. Between a penod of 50 years

population was increased about 67 crores increased in population with in a period

of 50 years point to the urgent need to find out ways and means to support the

increasing population in India especially the food one requirements.

Table. No. 2.10

Area Under Rice Cultivation in India. in different vears

Source : Ministry of Agric* Task Force on &Id crops, CMIE 2000, Eccmomic Rev& 2004.

Year

1950-5 1

1955-56

1960-6 1

1965-66

1970-71

1975-76

1980-8 1

1985-86

1990-9 1

1995-96

2000-01

2002-03

Area (000 ha)

30811

31521

34255

35273

37592

39475

40152

41137

42686

42836

4471 0

404 10

Fig. 2.3

Rice Cultivatiw areas of India

Fig. 2.4

Area Under Rice Cultivation in India

Rice production in India substantially increased from 1970-7 1 to

2003-04.(Table 2.1 ]).Increase in rice production was more essential to cop up

with the tremendus increase in population in India, the second largest populated

country in the world.

Table 2.11

Production of Rice in India

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Task force on filed crops Economic Review and CMlE

Fig. 2.5

Production of Rice in lndia

Production (000 MT)

42225

48740 5363 1 63 825 7429 1

76975 84980 93080

75702 87000

S1. No.

1

2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10

Year

1970-7 1

1975-76 1980-8 1 1985-86 1990-9 1 1995-96 2000-0 1 200 1-02 2002-03 2003-04

During 1970-7 1 India's rice praductim was 42.225 lakh million tonnes

but during 2003-04. It was 87 lakh million tonnes. This is because the area of

production as well as productivity has also increased. The increase in rice

production in India over the years is directly propotional to the increase in area

under cultivaiton as well as productivity (Table. 2.12)

Table. 2. f 2

Productivitv of Rice in India

Source: Ministry of Agriculture Task force on field crops Economic Review, CMIE.

$1. No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 .

Year

1970-7 1

1975-76

1980-81

1985-86

1990-9 1

1995-96

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

Productivity (Kgka)

1123

1235

1336

1552

1740

1797

1901

2086

1874

Fig. 2.6

Productivihr of Rice in India

Table 2.12 shows that the productivity of Rice has increasing from

1123Kg/ha to 2086 Kglha in 2001-02. This is a positive symptom even though

the world average of rice is much more than this. The advent of high yielding

varieties, modem production technologies coupIed with adequate use of plant

nutrient and better management of inputs increased the rice production from 20

million tones in 1950-51 to 84980 million tonnes in 2000.01. The average

productivity of rice in India during 200 1-02 was 2086 kgha against world average

of 3845 kg;/ha. The productivity within India varies with different ago-climatic

zonedareas (Table 2.1 3)

Area under cultivation of Rice in different states of India

Source : CMIE

S1.No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 1

12

13

14

15

16

States

Andhra Pmdesh

Assam

Bihar

Gujarat

Havana

Jammu & Kashmir

Kamataka

Kerala

Madhya Pradesh

Maharasm

Orissa

Punjab

Rajathan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

West Rengal

All India

1980-8 1

3600.3

2275

5550.7

477.5

472.0

265 .O

1101.0

802 .O

4860.0

1504.0

4191.0

t 178.0

170.0

2230

5292.0

5 176

40152.0

Area 1997-98

3500.8

2489.8

4975 -5

672.5

910.0

275.7

1378-2

404.1

5403 -4

1476.9

4496

2279

163.4

236 1

5663 -5

5900.2

43420.2

(000 ha) 1998-99

4120

2420.1

5099.9

622.1

1083.0

270.3

1425.5

348.2

5305.2

1483.1

4447

2519

I68

2386.4

5932.3

5904.1

44597.7 1

Table 2.13 shows almost all the states in India showed an increasing

trend in area of cultivation except Kaala. States like Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir,

Haryana etc. showed very positive trend, the area of cultivation is increasing.

Uttar Pmdesh ranks first in area of cultivation followed by West Bengal and

Bihar. Punjab has a very positive trend, it almost doubled its area of cultivation

within a period of 18 years.

Table. 2.14

Production of Rice in different States of India

Source: CMIE

64

Sl.No. I

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

I0

11

12

13

14

15

1 6

States Andhra M e s h Assam

Bihar

Gujarat

H w ~ Jammu & Kashmir

Kamahka

Kerala

Mdhya P&sh Maharastra

Orissa

Punjab

Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh

West Bengal

All India

k 701 1.4

2523

5635.1

556.6

1228.0

547.0

2208

1272.0

4053 .O

2361

4301

3223

150.0

4 159.0

5570.0

7466.0

5363 1.0

(Production

8510

3382.9

6774.9

1042.3

2545.0

549.3

3334.3

661 .O

4488

2394.6

6204.6

7897.0

190.2

7052.0

12163.4

13236.5

82299.7

000 tomes)

11434

3254.8

6632.5

1015.8

2425.0

589.1

3604.5

658.6

5373.9

2467.6

5391 -5

7940.0

205.4

8115.3

11615.9

13316.5

85994.5 .

Table 2.14 shows that West Ben@ is the largest pmducer of rice, followed

by Utlar Pmdesh. The states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu showed very positive signals

of increased pduction. Kerala showed vay discouraging trend as its production

was decreasing year by year.

Table. 2.15

Productivitv of Rice in different States

SI.No. States 1980-81

1 AndhraPradesh 1950

2 As- 1110

3 Bihar 1020

4 Gujarat 1170

5 warn 2600

6 . h ~ & ~ 2060

7 lcamtkh 2010

8 Kerala 1590

9 M y a m 83 0

10 Maharastm 1570

1 1 Orissa 1030

12 Punjab 2740

13 Rajasthan 880

14 Tamil Nadu 1870

15 Uttar Pradesh 1050

16 West Bmgal 1440

All India 1340

Source: CMlE and Economic Review 2003

65

Table 2.15 shows the productivity of rice in different states High

productivity may be attributed to different factors such as the use ofHYV seeds,

use of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation facilities, transportation and

mechanization. The states which which followed modem scientific cultivation

practices showed high productivity. The states Like Punjab, Haryana, Tamil

Nadu etc. are following the scientific cultivation practices for increasing

productivity. The average productivity ofrice in India during 1999-2000 was

1 95 0 kglha against world average of 3 845 kgha. This variability in rice yield

also exist with in the country depending on agm climatic conditions. The average

productivity of rice during 1998-99 in Urissa, Assam, Bihar was 1210, 1340

and 1300 kgha respectively as compared to 2780,3 1 50,3440 kgha in Andhra

Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu respectively. The wide variation in productivity

among the states appears major cause for slow growth in rice production in the

country.

Table No. 2.16

Area under Hieb YieMiw Varieties of CHYV) Rice in India

S1.No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 I

Year

1966-67

1989-90

1990-91

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

Area Under HYV RiceMillion ha

0.9

26.2

27.4

28.0

27.5

28.9

3 1.0

% of HYV to total Area

2.6

62.1

64.2

65.7

65.9

68.8

74.6

Table 2.16 shows that there is a tendency to cultivate HYV of rice as its

productivity is very high and cost of cultivation is very moderate. By using the

HYV the country can increase t o t . production of rice and can save a huge amount

since the cost of cultivation is low when compared to traditional varieties.

Table. No. 2.17

Area under HYV of Rice in different States durias 199697

Source: Fertilizer Statistics 2001

67

Sl. No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 1 3 14

15 16

17 18 19 20 21

States

Arunachar Pradesh Assam Bihar Orissa West Bengal Manipur Meghdaya Mizoram Na-d Sikkirn

Tripura Haryana Jarnmu and Kashmir Punjab Uttat Pradesh AndhraPradesh Karnataka TamilNadu Gujarat MadhyaPradesh Mahamhtra

Area (000 ha)

35 2 422 3500 3 02 7 4463

72 42

5

2 7

223 5 1 5

276 204 1 501 8 3699 I016 2120

533 3471 1293

Percentage to total ultivated

L a

28.6 57.1 69.0 67.8 76.9 43.3 39.7

7.7 1.2

43.7

62.0 100

94.5 90.4 93.2 75.4 93.4 83.0 65.6 87.5

Table 2.18

Cat and Returns of Rice Cultivstim in Maior Rice Pducinp States

Source: Cost of cultivation principal crops in India, Directorates of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture Government of India.

Year

1

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

States

2

As~am

Wssa

West Bengal

Uttar Pradesh

AndhraPlllllradesh

Punjab

M a h d t r a

As~am

Orissa

West BengaI

Uttar Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Punjab

Maharashtra

Assam

Orissa

West Bengal

Uttarpradesh

ATldhraPradesh

Punjab

Total Income

3

847 1

11562

14149

14320

19246

17799

10146

9050

10310

14149

NA

22101

21158

NA

10893

12757

19806

NA

20753

2393 1

Total Cost

4

7888

9842

12215

11301

17980

15526

10307

8619

10888

12215

NA

20937

17967

NA

9502

1 1646

18644

NA

21040

18993

Rsha

Net Returns

5

583

1720

1934

1619

1266

2273

161

43 1

578

1934

NA

1166

3191

NA

1319

1111

1162

NA

287

493 8

Table 2.18 indicates the cost of cultivation and returns indicate that

the highest net return of Rs. 49391ha in Punjab and the lowest in Orissa (Rs.

1 1 1 l h ) during 1997-98. This range ofvariation in h m income clearly indicates

the factors responsible for backwardness of the lmdi tional rice growing states.

The net returns from rice cultivation is the highest in Punjab because they are

using HYV seeds, irrigation facilities and mechanization. In Maharashtra and

West Bengal, the total cost on paddy cultivation exceeds the total income from

paddy cultivation, it causing loss to the famrers. This is not a positive symptom

as the marginal and small fanners practicing rice cultivation may even shift to

other crops which may result in food scarcity in the years to come.

Rice Cultivation in Kerala

Rice, one of the oldest food crops, is the staple food of the people

of Kerala where it has been under cultivation, as in other parts of South India,

h r n very ancient times. Since rice is the major food crop of Kerala majority

of farmers in the State are rice farmers. The prosperity of the people of Kerala

is based on the performance of the rice crop and hence Kerala's economy is rice

based.

Rice is cultivated throughout Kerala, It is cultivated in a diversity of

conditions and probably no where else the crop is cultivated under such situations.

It is cultivated in regions situated 3 meters below Mean Sea level (MSL) as in

Kuttanad and at another, it is cultivated at an altitude of 1400 meters as in high

ranges. It is cultivated in 3 to 4 meters depth of water as in the case of 'Kolappala'

variety and conhistingly in uplands where there is no standing water. In different

types of soil, rice is being cultivated in Kerala. There are, different varieties of

diverse agronomic characters and different methods of cultivation as there are

69

different situations and conditions under which rice is cultivated. It is cultivated

in all districts of the state. Rice producing areas of the state can be geographcally

classified in to 8 regions: Kuttanad, Onattukara, Pokkali, Laturate Midland,

Plain areas (Malayorain), Palakkad, Chittoor and High ranges, of which

Kuttanad and Palakkad are known as the rice bowls of Kerala. (Fig. 2.7)

Fig. 2.7

The area under rice cultivation during 1 970 was increasing, but &om

1980 it showed a decreasing trend. Rice production in Kerala showed a

declining trend after 1970. The gap between demand and supply of grains

which was around 50% till the mid seventies started widening there after

consistent to the large scale shift in paddy lands for cultivation of other more

remunerative crops like coconut, rubber, banana etc.

The area under rice cultivation in Kerala fiorn 1955-56 to 2003-04.

is presented in table 2.19 and figure. 2.8

Table. 2.19

Trend of Area of Rice Cultivation in Kerala

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Economic Review 2005.

Year 1955-56

1960-6 1 1965-66

1970-71 1975.76

1980-81 1985-86 1990-9 1 1995-96 2000-0 1

Area (000 ha) 759.00

778.940 802.33 874.93 875.16

854.37

806.92 559.45 471.15

347.455

Fig. 2.8

Trend of Area of Rice Cultivation in Kerala

There was a sharp decline in area of cultivation after 1980-81. During

the year 1980-81 it was cultivated in an area of 854 000 ha, but during 2003-04

only it has decreased to 287 340 ha . Thus there was a tremendous decline of

567 000 ha during the period.

Table. 2.20

Trends in rice cultivation in Kerala, from 1990-91 to 2003-04

TaMe. 2.21

Area under Rice Cultivation in India and Kerala

Source: CMIE, Directorate of Economics and Statistics

Area (000 ha)

The area under rice cultivation in hdia gradually i n m a d fbm 3 15.2 1

lakh ha in 1955 - 56' to 44710 lakh ha in 2000-01. But there was a slight decline

of 4300 ha in 2002-03 compared to the area cultivated in 2000-0 1 though the

area under rice cultivation in Keralagrrtdually increased h r n 1955-56 to 1975-

76. Their was a declining trend thereafter. By 2002 - 03 it has tremebndously

declined to 5,67,OOOha compared to 1975-76 (Table 2.21).

SI. No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 1

Year

1955-56

1960-6 1

1965-66

1970-7 1

1975-76

1980-8 1

1985-86

1990-9 1

1995-96

2000-0 1

2002-03

India

31521

34255

35273

37592

39475

40152

41137

42686

42836

44710

404 10

Kerala

759

779

802

874

875

854

807

559

47 1

347

310

Percentage of area in Kerala (Out of Total

Area and in India)

2.40

2.27

2.27

2-32

2.22

2.12

1.96

1.30

1.09

0.78

0.76

The area and production of rice which were steadily increasing till the

mid seventies had to succumb to economic pressure emanating from other

remunerative crops like banana, coconut, rubber and the growth of the

construction sector. This resulted in the decline of more than 5 lakh ha of area

under paddy cultivation during the last two decades. The twenty five year period

from mid seventies witnessed large scale shift in area under the crop. Rice

production touched its peak level of mund 14 lakh million toms in mid seventies

with a coverage of 8.8 1 lakh ha. The gap in meeting the internal demand of food

p i n s was estimated to be 50 percent during the period. The increasing cost of

cultivation and the disproportionately small rise in price has acted a detennent

in rice production.

Table, 2.23

Annual F d ~ r a i n reouirernent and Internal Production

- -

Source: Directorate of Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala.

76

(in lakh tomes:

Year

1994

1995

1996

1 947

1998

1999

2000

200 1

2002

2003

2004

Food Grain requirement

35.32

35.76

36.21

3 6.64

37.05

37.40

37.73

38.04

38.20

38.78

39.15

I n t d Production

9.30

8.60

7.90

7.90

6.88

6.54

6.94

6.76

6.33

6.42

6.8 1

Deficit

26.02

27.16

27.63

28.74

30.17

30.86

30.79

3 I .28

31.87

32.36

33.34

Table 2.23 shows that annual foodgrain requiremet and internal

produciton. It is evident form the table that the foodgrain production is declining

everyear and consquently the deficit is increasing. There is a wide gap between

Demand and Supply of food grain requirement creates a serious threat to Kerala's

food security.

Table. 2.24

Production of Rice in Kerala

Source: Economic Review 2005

77

Year Production

1956-57

1960-6 1

1965-66

1970-7 1

1972-73

1975-76

1 980-8 1

1985-86

2 990-9 I

1995-96

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

2003-04

887170

106753

99749

129201

13 7637

133 119

1271362

1173051

1086578

953026

75 1328

703504

688859

57004 5

Fig. 2.10

Production of Rice in Kerala

Table 2.24 shows the trend of production of rice in Kerala State. From

this table it is evident that during 70's there was a trend of increasing production

and set a record production of 1376370 MT in 1972-73 and in the beginning of

1985-86 onwards there was a decreasing trend and in the year 2003-04 it produced

only 570045 M Tonnes of Rice which was only 30% of the total requirement

Kerala requires to support its increasing population 38 million Tonnes of Rice

for a year. As the population-increases, naturally the food requirement was also

increased.

Table. 2.25

Production of Rice in India and Kerala

* Column No. 5 are computed

Table. 2.26

Trends in Production of Rice in Kerala

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics : Economic Review GOI, CMIE

* Figures in column 4 and 5 are computed

Since area under rice cultivation has decreased, a decline trend is also

registered in the production. Total production of rice fiom 1991-2004 is exhibited in Table 2.26.

The production of rice fkom 1981 to 2004 showed a sharp declining trend in all the 14 districts of Kerala. The sharp reduction is more pronounced

in the districts of Malappmam, Koihkode, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kannur, Palakkad

a n d E d a m .

SI.No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Year

1990-9 1

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-0 1

2001 -02

2002-03

2003-04

Production (Tones)

1086588

1060370

1084878

1003938

975065

953026

871461

764610

726743

770686

75 1328

703 5 04

688859

570045

Changeover Previous

Ye=

-262 18

24508

-80940

-28873

-22039

-81 565

-106851

-37867

43943

-19358

-47824

-14645

-118814

Percentageof change

-2.41

2.3 1

-7.46

-2.88

-2.26

-8.56

- 12.26

-4.95

6.04

-2.5 1

-6.36

-2.08

- 17.25

Table. No. 2.27

Productivitv of Rice in Kemla W h a

Source: Rept. of Economics & Statistics, Economic Review.

r

Year

1955-56

1960-6 1

1965-66

1970-7 1

1975-76

1980-8 1

1985-86

1990-9 1

1995-96

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

2003-04

The trend in Productivity showed an increase in 1 960-6 1 than in 1 95 5-

56 and there was a decline in the year 1965-66. Further their was an increase in

1970-7 1 and continued ti11 2002-2003. In the year 2003-2004 there was a fall

Productivity (Kglha)

1164

1371

1246

1477

1520

1587

1729

1942

2023

2 162

2182

2228

1984

in productivity because

of the duction in area was more dmingthe Virippu Season when the productivity

of the crop was generally higher than 'Mundakan? Season. The 'punja' crop,

which was largely confined to the single cropped areas of Kuttanad and Kole

areas was severely affected by the flood situation and resulted in crop failure.

Productivitv of Rice in Keraia and India

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, GOK.

Year Prductivity Kgha

Kerala India

Table 2.28 Shows the productivity ofKRala and India. When compared

1 993 -94

2 994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-0 1

to the national average the position of Kerala was better. But when compared to

other states like Punjab, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc, the production of Kecala

200 1-02

2002-03

2003 -04

1977

193 7

2023

2023

1975

206 1

2203

2162

1890

1910

1800

1882

1900

1930

1994

1913

was very low. The area of rice production in Kerala is decreasing year by year

and this can be compensated to a small extent by increasing the productivity of

rice. For this, application of High Welding Variety Seeds, better infrastructure

facilities etc are highly necessary.

Table. 2.29

Prductivitv of HYV Rice in Kerala (1990-91 to 2003-04)

The productivity of H W rice in Kerala was not steady from 1 990-9 1 to 1997-

Source: Directorate

98. Thereafter the productivity did not vary much from 1998-99 to 2002-2003.

8 3

Year

1990-91

1991-92

1992- 93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1 996- 97

1997-98

f 998-99

1999-00

2000-01

200 1-02

2002-03

2003-04

Productivity (Kgtha)

2207

2129

2223

2257

201 9

23 62

2285

2117

2226

2379

2327

2333

2342

2050

of Economics and Statistics

But the productivity is declained to 2050 Kgha during 2003-04 compared to

that in previous year. (Table 2.29) In Kerala application of HYV rice is not cent

percent.

Table. 2.30

Productivity of local varieties of Rice in Kerala

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

Year

1990-9 1

Table 2.30 shows the productivity of local variety of rice was much

lower than that of the HYV rice. The productivity of local variety did not vary

much between the year except during 2002-03, when there was slight decline

compared to previous year (Table 2.32) To improve the production, the farmers

have to select HYV rice than the traditional varieties.

84

Productivity (Kgka)

1833

Table. 2.31

Area and Production of Local Variety rice

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics

Year - 1990-9 1

1991-92

1 992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

Table 2.3 1 clearly reveals that there was sharp decline in the area under

Iocal variety of rice cultivated. It has drastically declined fiom 396634ha in

1990-91 to 597 14 ha druing 2002-03. The produciton was declined

proportionately, as expected on the other hand, though the area under cultivaiton

of W W of rice and the produciton did not vary much form 1990-9 1 to I 998-99 .

Area (Ha)

396634

374991

3625 12

335414

328845

307274

277497

2 18443

175533

138784

120768

94296

59714

Production (MT)

72720 1

706141

695666

632033

622838

566001

536413

407553

332441

26773 1

223912

185328

101559

There was fluctuations between years during this peirod. There was gradual

increase in area and productivity of W V of rice in Kerala form 1 999-2000 and

it touched its peak high during 2002-03. Agian, the area and production declined

during 2003-04.

Table 2.32

Area and Production of HYV of rice in Kerala

Year Area Production (1) (2) (ha) (M Tons)

I

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Economic Review 2005.

86

Table 2.33

Area Caveraze of HYV Rice Over Total Area

Source: Directorate of Econ~rnics and Statistics, W K .

Table 2.33 shows that there was only 163278 ha of land under HYV

rice during the year 1985-86, but after a period 20 years ie 2003-04 the area of

HYV rice has increased to 238546 ha of Iand and its percentage over total rice

area under Chltivation was 83.02 percent.

S1. No.

1

2

3

Year

1985-86

1990-9 1

1995-96

HYV area (ha)

163278

162816

163876

4

5

6

226687

222088

250804

238546

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

Total area Under Rice

cultivation(ha)

67 828 1

559450

471150

%ofHYV over total area

24.07

29.10

34.78

347455

322368

310521

287340 7

65.24

68.89

80.77

83.02 d

2003-04

Tame. 2.34

Area, Production and Productivitv of irrivated Lands in Kerala

Source: Directorate economics and statistics, GOK.

S1 No.

I

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

I 1

12

13

Table 2.34 Shows the total area, Production and productivity of irrigated Lands

in Kerah The area of irrigated land showed a decreasing trend as the total area of rice

cultivation was decreasing year by year and the production is also showed a decreasing

trend. But their was an increasing trend mproductivity. h r m g the year 1 990-9 1 an area

of 225063 ha of lad whae mgakd and the production was 45 1 1 06 Million Toms. But

in the year 2002-03 there was only 1 8 1 56 1 ha land under irrigation and the production

- was only 433748 Mion T o m . The productivity in the year 1990-91 was 2004 Kg.ha.

But it was 2389 K.g/ha during the year 2002-03.

88

Year

1990-91

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

Area (ha)

225063

2289 16

212576

209430

249885

234409

230087

202 143

196927

208740

208047

183962

181561

Production (MT) 451 106

473337

439552

4275 1 1

523971

521239

487152

421011

435963

494460

481279

433288

433748

Productivity (Kg/ha)

2004

2068

2068

204 1

2097

2224

2117

2083

2214

2368

2313

2355

2389

Table 2.35

Area Pmduction and Produdvitv of odrrhted lnnd in Kemh State

Table 2.35 shows the total area of un-irrigated land under rice

cultivation, its production and productivity. The production and productivity of

unhsigated land was much lower than that of irrigated land. The production as

well as productivity of this un-irrigated land could have been increased by

converting these land into irrigated land.

89

St No.

1

2

3

4

Year

1990-91

199 1 -92

1992-93

1993-94

Area (ha)

334387

312591

325062

298402

Production (MT)

63 54 52

587033

645326

576427

Productivity Kgha

1900

1878

1985

1932

Table. 2.36

Season-wise area, Production and Productivit-v of Rice in

Kerolta durine 2003-2004

Source: Dimtorate Economics and Statistics - Economic Review 2005.

SI No:

1

2

3

Ecological Lms due to Paddy Field Conversion

Conservation of biological resources in the modern sense is the part

of development and conservation means ''the management of human use of

biosphere. So that it may yield greatest sustainable benefit to presefit generations

while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future

generations. Thus consendon is positive, embra&ng, p r e s d u n , maintenance,

sustainable utilization, restoration and enhancement of natural environment".

But instead of conservating our rich biological resources, current process of

development is depleting many biological resources at such a rate that they are

rendered essentially nonrenewable. Ecosystem destruction is one of the- major

90

Season

Vlrippu

M u n e

Rmha

p 8 7 3 4 0 ha

Area (ha)

102770

147384

37186

570045 MT 1984Kg/ha'

Production (MT)

2201 32

266674

83239

Productivity (Kg/ha)

2 142

1809

2238

threats of bio diversity. Ecosystem is the productive origins of planet and it

surround us as forests, grasslands, rivers, coastal and deep waters, islands,

mountains, and various ago-ecosystems. The fact is, we are utterly dependent

on eco systems to sustain us and ecosystem yield goods and services that we

cannot do without. Ecosystem make the earth habitable purifying air and water,

maintaining biodiversity, decomposing and recycling nutrients, and providing

myriad other critical functions. Hawesting the bounty of eco systems roots our

economies and provides us employment, particularly in low and middle income

countries. Rice fields are such a kind of eco systems, which yield goods and

services to mankind. But, due to high destructions of this eco system, rice, the

Iike line crop is becoming highly valuerable in the state Kerala. Table 2.2 1

shows that with in a span of 50 years, this tiny state has lost more than 50 percent

of its rice cultivated area . Paddy fields are recklessly being converted for the

cultivation of other profitable crops like rubber, coconut, banana, Arecanuts etc.

Conversion of this land is also for mining clay for brick industry. As an ecosystem

paddy fields are unique and provide support for living organisms associated with

it. Paddy is a water-loving crop producing enormous tangible and intangible

goods and services to the human beings.

/" ( /438

Table 2.37

Common Fbra in the Surroundinns of Paddv Fields

Source: Field Survey

92

Vernacular Name (Malayalam)

Muthil (Kudangd) Cheera Brahmi Ponnamkanni Thaal Churuli Kattu Kaduku (Kallunrkki) Panaehi thaal (cerupto cma) Thakara Veliehembu Puliyarila Mudmjaehappu Vayal koovalam Paalthodu Vampalachap (klarsilia) Muthil M u m Muthangat Kaltumalli Anachuvadi Muyal chevian Vayd Malli Thmba Man-* Karimkooval am Kizhamelli- 1 Kizharnelli-2 K m t h o t t i Adakkmmiyan- 1 Addhmdyan-2 Vayalchulli Muthanga Kayyonnyam Palluvedarwhedi Pmvankurunnela V a ~ b Inchi pulIu Thottavadi

-

Scientific name

Centella asiatica Amaranthus viridis Bacopa Morrieri Alternanthaera sessilis Colocasia spp

Scoparia duleis

Cassia tora Colocasia spp Oxalis cmiculatus

Monocharia vaghalis Colocasia Spp

Cyp- halpm Cyperus iria C h e n e u m ambromides Elephantopus scaber Emilia sonchifolia Hypericum Japonicum Leucas aspera Lirrmophila conferta Monocharia hastaefolia Phyllanthus niruri Phy Itanthus urinaria Sida aeta Sphaeranthus indicus Sphamthus aficanus HygrophiZa auriculata Cypenls rotundus Eclipta alba Spillmthus calm Vemonia cineria Acorus calamus Cyrnbopogon citrates Mimosa pudica Ageratum cony zoides

Table 2.38

Other plants found in the ~ a d d v fields

Source: Field Survey

Vdyambu lnjonganam pullu Parpidaka pullu Mulipannichedi- l MuLipannichedi-2 Gear pullu Naikkarimpu Karuka Kilukilukki

Table. 2.39

Acorn cdamus Fimbri stylis miliacea Hedyolis auricularia Lud wigia octovalvis Ludwigia perennis Eriocanlon tsuncatum Sachanun Spontan~um Cynadon dactylon CroQlaria retusa

S m U creatures, Fish and Birds found in tbe Pad& Ekosvsfem

Source: FieM Survey

9 3

- Small creatures Paranjandu

Karuthanjandu Veluthanjandu

Njavunica Noonchi

Ama Thavala

C U u l l a n Thodah

N e t i p W Kavoori Konchan C M

Vah Mullan

Fish Kiechoollan

Aaril Varaal Para1

Kallummemooti Mushi Kari Kada Owl

Wag tail D b Hawk Stork Heron T d

Birds Waterhen,Moorhen

Pigeon Dove Stork

King fisher Flycatcher Skimmer

The availability of above plants, cream fish and birds are highly related

with the existence of paddy fields. Conversion of paddy fields will result in the

destruction of the above eco system. This will badly aff'ect the populatioin and

availability of medicinal plants. In addition some of the rare species will become

extinct.

Employment opportunities in Paddy Cultivation

Table 2.40

Emallovment opmrtunities in the Paddv Cultivation

Source: Field Survey

94

Male

J

J

J

J

J

Female

4

J

J

J

S1 No:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 1 I 12 13 14 15 16

17

Both Male and Female

J '

J

J

J

J

d"

V'

J

Activity

Land Prepamtion Ploughing Seed Selection Sowing Transplantation Water Control/irrigaEion Fertilizer application Weeding Katelingfguardmg Hamesting Bundling Transporting Treshing Winnowing Cleaning Storing

Marketing

Need of Iabourers in Paddy cultivation is much greater than banana,

rubber or any other cash crops. When there is a shift fiom paddy to cash crops,

agriculture workers especially women workers lose their work to a great extend.

There is gender discrimination in the different activities of paddy cultivation.

items are ther work is done by both maie and female workers, Some activities

like transplanting, weeding, threshing etc are done by female workers. When

there is a shift horn paddy cultivation to banana, rubber, etc, the female wokers

loose their job, as there is no work which is specifically resewed for the female

workers. So those female workers who depend upon this rice eco system of

employment will suffer a lot.

Table. No. 2.4 1

Gross Crmped Area of imwrhnt crops in Kerala

* Calculated figures in percentage Source: GOK Department of Ecollornics and Statistics

95

(in , S1No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13

jercentage) 1995-96

16.4 30.3

4.1 14.5 6.1 3.6 2.3 2.3 1.1 1.4 2.7

15.2 100

3052

Crops Rice

Coconut Tapioca Rubber Pepper Cashew

Arccaunut Banana

Tea Cardamom

Coffee Other crops

All crops Total (in 000 hectors)

2003-04 12.01 35.06

4.3 18.41 8.00 3.42 3-61 4.15 1.43 1.61 3.2 4.8 100

12584.690

1965-66 32.1 22.5

8.6 5.9 4.0 3.4 2.4 1 .S 1.6 1.2 0.9

15.6 100

205 1

1985-86 25.5 24.7

7.8 10.8 4.0 5.0 2.1 1.8 1.2 2.0 2.3

12.8 100

2807

The 2.41 table reveals that there was a sharp decline in Paddy

Cultivation. On the other hand Coconut, rubber, banana etc showed a positive

trend. This is due to the decrease in income from paddy cultivation. On the

other hand the positive trend in Rubber is due to the high income from rubber

Cultivation. The same is the reason in case of coconut, banana etc. In 1 965-66

only 5.9 percent of the total cropped area was under rubber cultivation but in the

2003-2004 rubber cultivation was 18.41 percent of the total area under

cultivation. This is because of the profit volume was very high for rubber

cultivation. Between 1965-66 to 2003-04 there was a 3 fold increase in the

area under cultivation of rubber. In 1 965-66 the area under coconut cultivation

was 22.5 percent, whereas in 2003-2004 the area under coconut cultivation was

3 5.06 percent. Pepper, cashew, banana, arccanut, other crops etc showed an

increasing trend both in area under cultivation as well as production, and

productivity. The commercialimtion of agriculture in Kerala lead in anticipated

shift in the crop pattern where cash crops began to dominate food crops. The

ratio between cash crop and food crop in 1973 was 30:70 which was changed in

to 70:30 by the end of 1990's. Rice is the major food in the state and due to its

non-profit nature, farmers began to shiR towards other profitable crop in the

state and converted their land for non-agricultural purpose or for other cash

crops like rubber, coconut, banana, arccanut etc.

Table. No. 2.42

Cost of Cultivation Per ha across districts 2003-04

Source: Compiled from working papers on Agriculture in Kerala, CDS. Trivandrum.

The cost of production of rice per ha is given in table 2.42. Kannur

which ranks first in cost of production is followed by Alappuzha and Palaghat.

The cost of cultivation in Kerala is very high when compared to other rice

producing states in India.

97

Cost ( M a )

13346

16771

18904

16654

14559

12848

18828

14323

18695

9917

20477

16697

S1 No.

1

2

3

4

5

ti

7

8

9

10

1 ?

12

Name of district

Trivandnun

Kollam

Kottayam

IduIdd

Eranakulam

Thrissur

WPPm

Palaghat

Kozhi kkode

Kannw

K-od

Table. No.2.43

Wage rate of agricultural labourem in Kerala

Souroe: Directorate of Economics and Statistics GUK.

Year

1994-95

t 995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

t 999-00

2000-0 1

200 1-02

2002-03

2003-04 L The wage rate shows an increasing trend. It is however not refated to

the selling price of rice. This is also one of the reasons for increasing cost of

production. Wage rate of agricultural labourers in Kerala is very high when

compared to other states in India. During f 970-7 I , the average labour charges

in Kmla was Rs. 5.09 where as in 2003-2004 it was Rs. 125.50. This shows

about 2500 percent increase or 25 times increase in wage rates. But the price

of paddy was increased only 523 percent 1970-7 1 one labour could be paid by

selling 5.4 1 Kg of paddy whereas in 2003 -2004 one Labour can be paid by selling

22 Kg of paddy.

Men

64

77

92

104

2 12

119

123

127

145

149

Women

42

51

61

69

72

79

82

89

100

102

Table 2.44

Cost of Production and yieldha of rice in selected states of India

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

This table 2.44 reveals the cost of production of riceha in some of

the selected states of India. Kerala ranks first in cost of produciton of rice whereas

U.P has the lowest cos tof produciton, In Kerala cost of produciton per quintal

was Rs. 5221- whereas the average cost ofproduciton was only Rs. 268/- Punj ab

is the state which has highest productivity and Assam is the state which has the

lowest productivity. In Kerala hired labour is about 90 percent, is the highest

when compared to other state sof India. West Bengal and U.P are the states

S1. No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 0

which have the lowest hired labour. 99

% Labour cost to total cost 90%

70%

65%

22%

53%

49%

57%

49%

58%

49%

58%

Cost/@

522

202

258

237

228

281

183

281

265

175

268

Rice Area

1 ha

1 ha

lha

1 ha

lha

1 ha

1 ha

1 ha

1 ha

1 ha

1 ha

State

Kerala

Izimmhk

AnrtraPmdesh

Assam

~~ Orissa

Punjab

West Bengal

Havana

Uttar Pradesh

All States 1

Total cost

20224

7074

11647

5079

5075

5984

8426

7965

10124

5060

7154 -

Meldlha

38.78

35.02

45.12

21.47

22.21

28.33

46.03

28.33

38.21

28.85

36.43

Labour days

148

98

32

87

82

131

62

132

101

102

110

Table. 2.45

W a ~ e rate Vs. Price of ~ a o d s

Source: Directorate Economics and Statistics, GOK, 2005.

Year

1999-00

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

( Figures in brackets donote percentages)

'I'he table 2.45 reveals that the price of rnatta rice per kg during 1 999-

2000 was Ks. 13.34 and in the year 2003-04 it was Rs. 13.89 shows for 4.1

percent increase in price. But the labour cost of men increased about 25.2 percent

and women about 29.1 percent. In the case of rubber the price increased about

62.6 percent in the year 2003-04 when compared to the year 1999-2000.

Increased labour cost is also one of the reasons for the increased cost of

produciton of rice in Kerala.

Men

119 (100.00)

123 (103.4)

127 (106.7)

145 (121.8)

149 (125.2)

In Kerala, the price of paddy per quintal in 1974-75 was Rs.223

whereas after 30 years, ie. on 2004 the price of paddy per quintal was Rs.694.

There was onIy 3 times increase in the price of paddy whereas average labour

charge increased about 25 times within a period of 30 years. This is also one of

100

Women

79 (100.00)

82 (103.8)

89 (112.7)

100 (126.6)

102 (129.1)

Matta Rice per

Kg 13.34 (100.00)

12.20 (91.5)

13.40 (100.4)

13.81 (103.5)

13.89 (104.1) -

Rubber

Kg 30.99(100,00)

30.36 (98.0)

32.28 (104.2)

39.19 (126.5)

50.40 (162.6) -

the reasons for a declining trend in paddy cultivation as the cost of production

increases and majority of rice farmers are running at a heavy loss.

Table 2.46

Price of PaddvlOuintal for the k t 30 years in Kerala

Year

Source: Agricultural Statistics, GOK

Tabe. 2.47

Average annual growth rate of area and ducti ion of rnaior crow 1991-92 thru 2002-2003 I~ercentaee)

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics. GOK

10 1

Crop

Rice

Tapioca

Cl oconut

Rubber

Food crops

Non-food crops

Area

-4.73

-2.69

0.30

1.23

-1.01

0.66

Production

-3.62

-1.12

2.64

5.7 1

- -

Table 2.47 shows the moth rate of some of the important crops

form the year 199 1-92 to 2002-03. The Rice area shows a negative trend of - 4.73 percent and production also shows a decline about -3.62 percent. Coconut,

rubber etc shows a positive trend in growth rate of both area and production.

Tapioca is also another important tuber crop which showed a declining trend

both in area and production.

Table. 2.48

Crop~ine Pattern ~roiection in the future Markov chain Analvsis (%share)

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Kerala

Crop

Rice

Tqica

Coconut

Rubber

Other crops

The cropping pattern under Markov Chain analysis shows a steep

decline of rice from 32 percent to 12 percent. But coconut, rubber and other

corps showed a positive trend in area under cultivation.

1975

32

12

27

7

22

1990

19

6

33

15

27

1995

18

5

3 1

17

29

2000

16

5

3 1

18

30

2005

15

4

32

19

30

2010

13

4

32

20

3 1

2015

12

3

32

2 1

32

The table 2.49 shows the comparative profit statement of Rice

Cultivation in one acre and banana cultivation. The profit from rice cultivation

was only Rs.2400 as compared Rs.46000 from banana cultivation. This is also

one of the reasons for a shift in cropping pattern from rice to cash crops such as

rubber, coconut, banana etc.

Table 2.49

Cost benefit amlvsis of Rice and Banana Cultivation in 2004

* Lease amount for one year Source: Field Survey

Area (I Acre)

Seedling

Fertilizers and Pesticides

Labour

Other expenditure

Total Cost

Return h m harvest

Net income

Net income rounded as

Total Cost

Rice

660

2 125

9530

12315

h o m e

Banana

2000

11 500

11 500

10000

40000

Rice

14750

2435

2400

Banana

86000

46000

46000

The net return h m rice cultivation is much lower when compared to

other crops such as rubber, coconut, banana etc. The cost benefit analysis of 1

acre each of rice and banana is present4 in the table 2.49. The net return from

rice is only Rs.2400 as against Rs.46000 from banana. This is also one of the

reasons for the shift in crop pattern ie. from rice cultivation to other remunerative

crops.

Table 2.50 shows the contribution of Agricultural income to state's

revenue. In 1993-94 the contribution of AgricuItural sector was 6256crores of

rupees. But during 2003-2004 it was only 5 165crores. There was adecrease of

1091 crores within in a period of ten years. The percentage to states revenue

was only 13 percent which was four percent less thsn 2002-03 fmancial year.

Table. 2.50

Growth of Aerifultural income in Kernla (1993-94 ~rices)

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, GOK

I04

S.No.

1 2

3 4

5 6 7 8 9

10

11

1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-0 1 200 1-02 2002-03

2003-04

Agriculturkil icome @.hrmms)

6256

6897 6947 7115

6777 6900 7017

5448

5312 5380 5165

Wteof h g e wer previous Year

10.25

0.72

2.42 -4.75 1.81

1.70

-22.36 -2.50

1.28 -4.00

Percentage contribution tostates Income

26.23 26.62

25.78 25.39

23.67 22.52 2 1.45

16.23

15.39 14.53 13.00

Fig. 2.11

Growth of A~ricultural income in Kerala (1993-94 prices)

Table. 2.51

Waste land in Kerala (2002-03) in ha

Source: Land use Board & KSRSEC Economic Review 2003

SI. No. 1 7 A

3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 I4

Table 2.5 1 revealed that waste lands in ha in different district of the

state of Kerala. Iddukki showed the highest area of waste land followed by

Palakkad, Malappuram, Ernakulam, and Koilamn Districts. Alappua District has

the lowest area ofwaste land. The total waste land in Kerala showed about 1448 1 8

ha. The Gavement of kerala through its agencies and with the help of other

Non - Govenrment agencies should take urgent steps to cultivate rice in this

waste land which were once the rice fields.

District m h ~ m KotIam

Alappuzha Pathanamthitta Kottayarn I- J3makdam Thrissur Palakkad M a l a p p m

way& Kozhkkode Kannur

K=Wd Total

Waste land are (in ha) 6658 8072 1550 773 1

4880 3481"

8454 7 198

28356 12367 5184 276 1 6980 9814

I44818

AREA AND PRODUCTION OF RICE IN ERPITAKULAM DISTRICT

Ernakulam District is having a unique position in the matter of area under

paddy cultivation md production. It occupies 4'h position in the area of cultivation

and also fourth place in production performance. More over the flourishing

trade centres of rice and modern rice mills are located in this district. Out of

the 120 modern rice mills using sophisticated production and processing

techniques, 80 rice mills are operated in the revenue district of Ernakulam.

Table 2.52 showed the area and production of rice in Ernakulam District

from 199 1-92 to 2003-04. In 199 1-92 there was 6500 1 ha of land under rice

cultivation. Two to three crops were taken in a year from the paddy fields.

Area production of rice in Ernakulam districts

Source: Directorate Economics and Statistics, GOK.

t 07

S1. No.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7

8 9

10 1 1 12 13

Area (ha)

6500 1 66158 61287 60018 56533 53988 46152 49730 42894 37433 32905 32072 29495

Year

1991-92 1992-93 1 993 -94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99

1999-2000 2000-2001 200 1-2002 2002-2003 2003 -2004

Production (Tonnes) 109484 1 1 3927 101346 101048 101951 93382 7423 4 84529 82326 65307 59723 60886 54044

The producticm of rice was 109484 Tonnes during 1991 -92 but during

2003-2004 it was only 54044 Tomes.

The Table 2.53 showed the area, production and productivity HYV

rice in Ernakulam District. During 1990-9 1 there was 19525 ha of land under

HYV rice cultivated and production h m the area was 35076. Due to the

cultivatioin HYV rice the productivity of ?ice during 1990-91 was 1796 Kglha.

During 2003-04 there was 26529 ha of land under H W rice and production

was 49662 Tonnes of rice. The productivityIha was also increased by the use of

HYV rice. It was 1872 Kg/ha during 2003-2004, Here also there is a decline

trend both in area of rice cultivation as well as production. This is a common

phenomenon everywhere in the state.

Table 2.53

Area. Production and Productivitv of HYV rice in Ernakulam District

Source: Ecanomic Review - 2005

108

Sl. No.

1 2 3

4

5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1

12 13 14

Year

1990-9 f 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-0 1 200 1-02 2002-03 2003-04

Area (ha)

19525 2 1240 21657 23097 19273 18357 15509 31146 41718 37389 33547 28457 28076 26529

Production (Ton)

35076 37058 39908 39422 33448 34174 28415 50695 7 1204 71130 59502 5242 1 54403 49662

Productivity

W@a) -

1796 1745 1843 1707 1735 1862 1832 1628 1707 1902 1774 1842 1938 1872

Table. 2.54

Productivity of HYV of Rice in Ernorkulam District

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, GOK.

S1. No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 1

12

13

14

Table 2.54 indicated the area under local variety of rice as well as

production. In 1990-9 1 there was 43 553 ha of land under Iocal varieties of

rice cultivation and produced 676 13 Tonnes of rice. The productivity of local

variety rice during 1990-9 1 was 1552 Kg'ha. During 2003-2004 the local

varities of rice were cultivated only 2966 ha of land and produced only 43 82

Toms. The productivity was only 1474 Kg/ha.

Year

1990-9 1

2991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-0 1

2001 -02

2002-03

2003-04

Productivity (Kgka)

1796

1745

1843

1707

1735

1862

1832

1628

1707

1902

1774

1842

1938

1872

Area, production and Productivity Local Varieties of Rice in Ernakulam District

Source: Directorate of Ecmmics and Statisttics, Government of Kerala.

S1. No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 1

12

13

14

Year

1 990-9 1

199 1-92

1992-93

1993-94

1944-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-0 1

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

Area (in ha)

43553

43 76 1

44501

38190

40745

38176

38479

15006

8012

5505

3886

4448

3996

2966

Production (Tons)

67613

72426

74019

61924

67600

67777

64967

23539

13325

11196

5805

7302

6483

4382

Productivity ( K a a )

1552

2655

1663

1621

1659

1775

1688

1569

1663

2034

1494

1642

I622

1474

Rice is a crop of tropics and subtropics, especially of the monsoon lands

90 percent of rice is grow in Asian countries.

China is the largest producer of rice followed by India.

1 1 3 countries d l over the world producing rice.

India has the largest area under rice cultivation in the world.

Only 43 percent of the total area under rice cultivation is irrigated in India.

West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.

UP has the largest area under rice cultivation.

In India rice is cultivated 23 percent of the total land under various crops.

Punjab ranks first in productivity.

Andhra Pradesh ranks second in productivity of rice in India.

In Kerala rice is cultivated under a diversity of climatic conditions, 3metres below Mean Sea Level (MSL) in Kuttmadu and 1 400 meters as in High ranges(Mumar)

In Kerala, Palakkad and Kuttanadu are known as rice bowls.

Mid menties were period of increased production and area of cultivation of rice in Kerala.

Kerala is one ofthe states in India which has the lowest percentage of ].ice cultivation in lndia (0.76 Percent).

Kerala witnessed a decline of 5 lakh Ha of land under rice cultivation over a period of two decades.

During the year 2004-05, KeraIa produced only 667 1 05 metric tomes of rice.

In Kerala prductivity shows an upward trend because ofthe use of HY V seeds.

Kerala has 83 percent coverage of HYV seeds of the total area under rice cultivation.

The productivity of irrigated lands is higher than un- irrigated lands.

Of the three seasons - 'Mundakan, Virippu, h c h a ' - , Mundakan shows the highest area under rice cultivation, but the productivity is higher in puncha seasons.

During the year 1965-66 about 32.1 percent of total area under rice cultivation in Kerala, but during the 2004-05 it was only 12.01 percent.

Remunerative crops like Coconut, Rubber, Banana etc. are increased their proportion of area under cultivation.

In Kerala, of all the districts Kannur has the highest cost of cultivation.

Of all the states in India, K d a has the highest cost of cultivation of rice.

Wage rate of agricultural Iabourers is the highest in Kerala than all other states in India.

The wage rate of Agricultural labourers increased about 2500 percent (25 Times) when compared to wage rates of 1970-7 1 .

The price of paddy per quintal is increased only 3 times when compared to prices of 1970-7 I .

The cost of cultivation of rice per quintal is Rs. 522inKerala. which is the highest of all other states.

The Kerala land Ref- Act f 970, insisted to keep a maximum holding of 5ha of paddy field per person and 10 ha to a family.

The number of marginal farmers is highest in Kerala.

The contribution of Agricultural income to the State's income in Kerala decreased to 13 percent in the year 2003-04 from 26.23 percent in the year 1993-94.

Waste land in K d a shows an upward trend.

Of all the districts in Kerala, Idukki has the highest area of waste land.

The area and production of rice is also decreased in Ernakulam district.

Conclusion

Rice is a crop of tropical regions; especially of the monsoon regiom.90%

of rice is grown in Asian countries. Almost all the countries ( I 13) producing

rice. Rice is the staple food of %of the world's population. Major Rice producing

countries of the world are the major consumers, so world trade is less than 5

percent of total production of rice. China is the largest producer of rice in the

world. India is the second largest producer of rice in the world. India has the

largest area under rice cuttivation in the world.

In lndia productivity of rice is comparatively less when compared to

Japan, China, USA, etc. Japan has the highest productivity of rice in the world In

India West Bengal is the largest produ~e of rice. Uttar Pradesh has the largest

area under rice cultivation. The productivity of rice in India is very low. In India

23 percent of the total land under rice cultivation. Andhra Pradesh ranking second

in productivity of rice.

In Kaala rice is cultivated in a diversity of climatic conditions i.e. 3

meters below mean sea level in Kuttanadu and 1400 meters above the sea level

in high ranges (Munnar).ln Kerala area of cultivation as wellas production of

rice is deteriorated every year. During 1 965-66, about 32.1 percent of the total

area under rice cultivation. But during the year 2003-04 it was reduced to 12-01

percent. This is due to the change in negative cropping pattern effect of cultivating

remunerative cops like coconut, rubber, banana etc.During 1965-66 cmonut

was cultivated 22.5 percent and rubber was cultivated only5.9 percent but during

the 2003-04, the area under coconut and rubber were increased to 35.06 pacent

and 18.4 1 percent respectively.

The decline in area and production of rice is a serious threat to the food

processing industry mainly the rice milling business in KeraZa. There is a wide

gap between the demand and supply of rice in Kerala. Now itself Kerala is

depending very much on other states for food grains. The cluster of modern

rice mills in Kalady and other mo&m rice mills in the state depend upon the

states like Tarnilnadu, Kamataka, Andhra Pradesh and even North Indian states

for their raw material (paddy) requirements.

CHAPTER - 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paddy rice system and by product system

Rice Mills in Lmtiol

Paddy processing

Milling Procms

Pre-milring treatments

Metbods of Parboiling

Value Added products from Rice

Fermented Products

lWedicinoll uses of rice

Rice Bran oil

Rice m i n g h Kernla

Flow chart of Production process

Rice pr-sing statistics

District wise number of modern rice milk in Kernla 2004-05

Wuk wise distribution modern rice miUs in

Ernrrkulam District

Major £indings

Conclusion