Thu Nov 14 14:41:36 UTC 2024: ## Kerala’s Rice Bowl in Crisis: Farmers Struggle to Survive as Paddy Production Plummets

**Alappuzha, Kerala:** Paddy farmers in Kuttanad, Kerala’s famed “rice bowl,” are facing an unprecedented crisis, grappling with dwindling yields, rising costs, and delayed payments, threatening the future of this traditional agricultural practice. The situation has been exacerbated by climate change, with erratic rainfall, intense heat, and recurrent floods impacting harvests, leading to a significant drop in paddy production.

According to experts, the region experienced record high temperatures in January and February 2024, impacting flowering, fertilization, and yield. Coupled with insufficient rainfall, this has led to increased soil acidity, further affecting crop growth.

While the government is attempting to address the issue by providing free seeds and technical guidance, farmers are left grappling with the consequences of a flawed procurement system that often results in delayed payments and discourages participation. The procurement price has remained stagnant since 2022, despite increasing production costs, further eroding farmers’ profits.

Data from the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) reveals a significant decline in paddy procurement, dropping by 23.5% in 2023-24. This decline is attributed to both reduced production and allegations of farmers bringing paddy from neighboring states to avail of higher procurement prices.

The situation has led to a decrease in paddy acreage and the number of farmers, with thousands opting out of paddy farming in recent years. Despite these challenges, the rice-loving state continues to rely heavily on other states to meet its annual rice demand, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis in Kerala’s paddy sector.

Experts and farmers alike are calling for immediate action to address the complex issues plaguing the paddy sector. This includes a revamped procurement system with transparency and timely payments, a review of the procurement price to account for rising costs, and a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change on paddy cultivation. The future of Kerala’s “rice bowl” hangs in the balance, and urgent intervention is crucial to ensure the survival of this vital agricultural practice.

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