
Paddy cultivation was a part of proud culture of Kerala. According to State Planning Board Kerala lost over 500,000 hectares of paddy fields between 1980-2007. Paddy cultivation in Kerala has witnessed a steady decline. The sharp fall in area under paddy cultivation as well as quantity of rice produced has had important implication for Kerala’s economic, ecological and social development. The state produces less than 15% of the requirement of rice in the state. The situation is a threat to food security in the state and needs urgent attention.