Farmers in these fields reap not paddy; Kottayam's Alummoodu finds new rhythm

Mattakkara: The end of the paddy harvest in the fields of Alummoodu, Mattakkara, is just the beginning of another. As the fields here turn green with grass, dairy farmers arrive with sickles to reap fodder for their cattle.

Armed with sickles, around 10 dairy farmers from the area arrive here every day to cut the lush grass, which they load onto vehicles and take home for their cattle. Good road access and relatively less waterlogging than in other paddy fields have made Alummoodu a preferred source of fodder for local dairy farmers.

Among those who regularly come here are Aravindakshan Maruthanadiyil, who is also a Manorama newspaper agent, Saji Madukkanayil, Jomon Thundiyil Karott, Saji Aikkarayil, Vijayan Kadamanthayil, Thomachan Mattakkarott, Soumini, Leela, Santhosh Kizhakkethil and Baby Keecheriyil.

Paddy is usually cultivated here from December to March. The fields, which once yielded two crops a year, now see just one, leaving them cloaked in a lush carpet of grass once the harvest is over. The green cover remains until the fields are readied for the next crop, giving dairy farmers a window to gather fodder for their cattle.

The sight of farmers stepping into the fields with sickles in hand evokes images of an older rural Kerala. Yet, it also captures the changing face of agriculture in the region. As paddy cultivation has declined, these same fields have found a new purpose, supporting the dairy sector and providing a steady source of fodder for cattle.

The Alummoodu fields have also taken on a new role, evolving into a popular evening gathering spot for the local community. The road cutting through the fields has been lined with plants, while seating spaces on either side offer people a place to pause, unwind and take in the green expanse.