Socio-cultural Processes and Livelihood Patterns at Tirurangadi - CDS

the gradual spread of rented holdings in the area. This is obviously because the original
landholders are no longer engaged or interested in cultivation, and others in search of a
livelihood are carrying out agriculture in such areas. In a few cases, the fields are allowed
to be cultivated without rent. Paddy fields, coconut groves, and plantain gardens are
rented out in this fashion. Rent assumes two forms. One is the payment of ground rent,
corresponding to the extent and fertility of the land before the land is occupied, and this
ground rent is paid annually. There is another form of rent in produce or its equivalent
which is collected after the yield is taken. Of course, both the rents strictly by contract,
and do not involve any other obligations either on the part of the landholder or cultivator.
The cultivators paying rent of any kind are basically subsistence farmers, cultivating for a
livelihood rather than for profit.
Agro-based labor and craft groups
Another interesting feature is that despite the shift from paddy cultivation to cash crops,
there has not been any significant development of agro-based industries. As has been
pointed out coir production has declined and there is only one fiber processing unit at
Cheruppara in Nannambra, in the region. Coir making exists in Munniyur, Thenhippalam
and Vallikkunnu, but despite the growth of coconut production, there has not been any
change in the technical aspects of production and the number of people subsisting in coir
has declined. Probably the largest group subsisting on Coir is in Balathirutti but they are
shifting to other professions, or are without employment as they are professionals who
are not trained to do anything else. Small scale fiber work exists in parts of
Thenhippalam, such as Brahmaswam, Alunkadavu and Mukkathkadavu. Cashew is
planted in some places but there is no industry of any kind based on it. Thus agricultural
transformation may have resulted in the formation in a group of farmers who have