Mannar: Farmers in Upper Kuttanad region have started cassava farming on the sides of the paddy fields. Usually, fish and paddy integrated farming (nellum meenum) is adopted by the farmers after the monsoons subside.

But, in the summer, cassava and vegetables are grown alongside paddy. Cassava stems were planted after preparing the wasteland using tractor when the paddy was planted in the fields. Paddy will be ready for harvest within three months; however, it would take at least six months to harvest the cassava.

Besides, cassava requires good care during the summer season. Meanwhile, farmers are relieved that cassava wouldn’t get damaged as bad as the paddy in case it rains.

Taking advantage of this, farmers have been planting cassava in the land area close to the paddy fields with good water supply in areas like Chennithala, Mannar, Pallipad and Budhanoor. Cassava is an indispensable part of Kerala cuisine although it is not as profitable as paddy cultivation.