Question

The Kuttanad region in Kerala is famous for its vast,

• A. rubber plantation
• B. below sea-level tea plantation
• C. below sea-level paddy cultivation
• D. below sea-level coffee plantation

Hint:

Kuttanad is famously known as the ``Rice Bowl of Kerala''.
Knowing this nickname immediately connects the region to paddy cultivation, and its low altitude links it to the unique below sea-level farming system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the famous and unique agricultural practice of the Kuttanad region in Kerala.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Agricultural Geography:
Kuttanad is a vast region spanning Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala.
It is geographically unique because it lies at the lowest altitude in India, with large portions of its land situated about 1.2 to 3 meters below mean sea level.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Below Sea-Level Paddy Cultivation: Kuttanad is globally renowned for practicing paddy (rice) cultivation below sea level.
This traditional method involves reclaiming land from lake beds and saline water bodies by constructing massive ring dikes and continuously pumping out excess water.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized the Kuttanad Below Sea-level Farming System as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

• Why other options are incorrect: Rubber, tea, and coffee plantations are typically grown on high-altitude hilly terrains (such as Munnar or Wayanad), making below sea-level cultivation of these crops physically impossible and agrarianly illogical.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, Kuttanad is famous for its below sea-level paddy cultivation, corresponding to Option (C).