Agriculture – Backbone of the Economy

Wayanad has an area of 233 sq. km (10.94%)in agricultural area and 831.90 sq. km (39.02%) in plantation area. Over half of its population are engaged in agriculture in order to earn their livelihood.

The word Wayanad translates to “land of paddy fields”. Lush green of paddy fields is one of the most captivating feature of Kerala’s landscape. Paddy is cultivated here on an area of 12,000 hectares. More than 60 varieties are cultivated here and 28,000 tonnes of rice are produced annually.

Several varieties of rice grown in Wayanad, which is also known as Wayalnad. They are Veliyan, Chettuveliyan, Chenthadi, Chembakam, Chennellu, Marathondi, Chennalthondi, Chonala, Adukkan, Thondan, Kuruva, Thavalakkannan, Gandhakashala, Jeerakashala, Mullankayama, Unnikayama, Onamottan, Palthondi, Kalladiyaran, Rakthashali, Kumkumashali, Chembavu, Palkayama, Karathan, Thonnoorampuncha and Njavara.

The word Wayanad translates to “land of paddy fields”. Lush green of paddy fields is one of the most captivating feature of Kerala’s landscape. Paddy is cultivated here on an area of 12,000 hectares. More than 60 varieties are cultivated here and 28,000 tonnes of rice are produced annually.

The formation of plantation areas contributed to the development of Wayanad in temrs of employment, roads, hospitals, schools, places of worship and government offices including post offices. However, there was a period of labour exploitation and slavery witnessed here.

Cardamom or ElettariaCardamomumMatonis the second most used spice in India. Since time immemorial Wayanad traded cardamom with Arabian and Europeans. This specie with a strong but pleasant aroma was often called as the ‘Queen of Spices’ or even ‘Grain of Paradise’. Today Cardamom is cultivated on 4100 hectares in Wayanad.

In 1828, Major Brown started coffee cultivation in Wayanad by bringing saplings from Ancharakandi. By 1860, coffee cultivation had spread throughout Wayanad. Most of the coffee beans produced here were shipped to Europe. Wayanad is one of the prominent regions in the country cultivating the variety. As a result of the superabundance of both sunlight and rainfall, the land in Wayanad is highly fertile and the pleasant climate is conducive to coffee cultivation. Today there is 6000 hectares of coffee cultivation.

Tea plantations were introduced from 1853 in Wayanad and Nilgiris. By 1892, cultivation had spread throughout the hilly areas of Wayanad district. 11,860 tonnes of tea is now produced annually from 7550 hectares.