Agricultural History
Malappattam Grama Panchayat is endowed with a diverse landscape comprising steeply sloping areas, gently sloping regions, plains and paddy fields. In areas with steep slopes, rainwater often flows rapidly downhill and reaches the roads. The soil carried along with the runoff gradually reduces the depth of roadside drainage channels, while the water flows away without being effectively utilised. Therefore, soil and water conservation measures are essential in such areas.
Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the scientific study of the origin, development and evolution of the Earth's surface features. It deals with the formation and transformation of topographic and bathymetric features resulting from physical and chemical processes.
The Earth's surface is continuously modified by various surface processes and geological processes. Surface processes include the actions of water, wind, ice, fire and living organisms, as well as chemical reactions that contribute to soil formation and alter the physical characteristics of the land. Gravity also plays an important role in determining the stability of landforms and the rate at which they undergo change.
Geological processes include the uplift of mountain ranges, the growth of volcanoes, isostatic changes in the elevation of the Earth's surface, subsidence of the land surface and the formation and accumulation of fluids deep within the Earth. In recent times, human activities have also become an important factor in modifying landscapes. Many of these processes are strongly influenced by climatic conditions.
Soil Types
The major soil types found in the Grama Panchayat include laterite soil, alluvial soil, black soil, sandy soil, rock outcrops, lateritic soil, red soil mixed with laterite, paddy-field soil and other red and black soils.
Among these, laterite soil, black soil, sandy soil, alluvial soil and rocky areas are predominant.
In the elevated areas of the watershed, particularly around Karippal and Chuvellakunnu, some areas consist of rocky terrain, while other areas have reddish soil mixed with black soil. The low-lying areas of the watershed were formerly paddy fields and are generally characterised by alluvial soil.
Along the riverbanks and plains of the Grama Panchayat, lateritic soil mixed with alluvial deposits is commonly found, while the higher areas are predominantly covered by lateritic soil.
The elevated plateau-like areas of the Champochery Thodu watershed contain soil with a substantial amount of fertile black soil. In the higher areas such as Mepparamba, Valayam Velicham, Poomullikkari and Irumbanithattu, fertile soil is found to a depth of approximately one metre, followed by laterite rock at a depth of about one and a half metres.
Actual Agricultural Land
Studies indicate that the actual area under cultivation has declined to approximately 3,889 acres due to land filling, conversion of agricultural land for construction and other purposes, and the abandonment of agricultural land.
Approximately 276 acres have been diverted for non-agricultural purposes, while 1,989 acres are occupied by buildings and 133 acres comprise quarries and rocky areas. Around 243 acres of land in the Grama Panchayat remain fallow in various locations.
Land Use – Paddy Land
The Grama Panchayat extends over an area of approximately 1,930 hectares across the six localities of Adoor, Kolanth, Adichery, Kovanthala, Malappattam and Chooliyad. Of this, approximately 144 hectares constitute paddy land, while approximately 1,786 hectares constitute dry land, including poramboke land.
Out of a total of approximately 357 acres of paddy land, around 6 acres are occupied by buildings, 8 acres are used for non-agricultural purposes, and 33 acres remain fallow.
Of the 33 acres of fallow land, approximately 5 acres remain uncultivated due to financial difficulties, 3.5 acres due to shortage of agricultural labour, and another 3.5 acres are affected by waterlogging.
Land Use – Dry Land
Out of the total dry-land area stated as approximately 4,410 acres, around 3,589 acres are utilised for homestead-based cultivation. Approximately 192 acres are occupied by buildings, while 269 acres are allocated for agricultural activities. Around 210 acres remain fallow.
Land Ownership and Residence of Landowners
Approximately 99% of the owners of the 357 acres of paddy land are residents of the Grama Panchayat.
In the case of dry land, out of the total 4,410 acres, approximately 4,095 acres are owned or possessed by residents of Malappattam Grama Panchayat. The remaining land is held by people residing in neighbouring Grama Panchayats.
Other Information
Among the 2,121 families in the Grama Panchayat, 70 families are landless. Another 67 families own only four cents of land.
Approximately 58% of the families in the Grama Panchayat own land ranging from 10 cents to one and a quarter acres.
Major Agricultural Crops
Rubber Cultivation
Rubber is one of the major agricultural crops in the Grama Panchayat and occupies the largest share of cultivated land.
The total area under rubber cultivation is approximately 1,752 acres. More than 30% of the existing rubber plantations were established during the past ten years.
Coconut
Coconut cultivation covers approximately 717 acres.
- Total coconut palms: 57,359
- Non-bearing young palms: 15,940
- Palms with very low yield: 9,288
- Bearing coconut palms: 32,131
Cashew
During the past ten years, approximately 364 acres of cashew plantations have been cleared and converted for rubber cultivation.
Cashew trees are also being cut for the production of laterite blocks and other purposes.
- Area under cashew: 592 acres
- Total cashew trees: 71,052
- Non-bearing trees: 21,986
Arecanut
- Total area under cultivation: 100 acres
- Total arecanut palms: 75,014
- Non-bearing palms: 27,027
- Disease-affected palms: 14,835
Black Pepper
- Total pepper plants: 52,175
- Non-bearing plants: 8,113
- Disease-affected plants: 1,300
Banana
The total area under banana cultivation is approximately 63 acres.
- Nendran banana: 19 acres
There has also been a trend of converting paddy fields into banana plantations.
Jackfruit and Mango
- Jackfruit trees: 9,953
- Mango trees: 11,630
Other Crops
- Pulses and legumes: 17 acres
- Lease-based cultivation: 20 acres
- Tuber crops: 44 acres
- Tapioca alone accounts for approximately 23 acres.
