India: Farming and development

Programme Outline

Farming and development is about changes in land use in the Indian state of Kerala. Rice is the staple food of Keralans but farmers are opting to grow higher value cash crops like coconuts.

Section 1 – Development in Kerala
Briefly looks at why development in Kerala is different from that in other Indian states.

Section 2 – Rice production
Focuses on the growing, harvesting and processing of rice.

Section 3 – Coconut growing
Explores the benefits of growing coconuts and other dry field crops rather than rice.

Section 4 – Use of resources
Shows how Keralan farmers make the best use of their resources and state incentives.

Section 5 – Why Kerala is different
Explores some of the reasons why the labour cost and the standards of living in Kerala are higher than in other Indian states.

Section 6 – Hopes for the future
Focuses on the hopes of Keralans for their children in the future.