Abstract

Malabar has been a deficit district in the matter of food even before the recent war. Rice, which is the staple food crop of the area, occupies 81% of the total extent and makes up 68% of the total normal output of the Madras State; and the district continues to depend on imported food grains. Within the district the southern zone grows 69 50% of the total area under paddy, while the Palghat taluk alone contributes 26.60% of the total production in the district. Vast stretches of fertile paddy lands exist in Palghat taluk in contiguous blocks. The soil is red loam in most parts, the rainfall is fairly well-distributed and the area is benefited by both the monsoons during normal years. The terrain is fairly plain in comparison with the rest of the district, and there is a well-knit system of roads touching all villages and the ryots are comparatively progressive and responsive to all major improvements. Owing to these natural advantages, all pioneering work on improvements recommended by the department, have been tried here.

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