analyse the changes commercialisation of agriculture brought about in Kerala agriculture sector
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The agricultural economy of Kerala is known, historically, for its export-oriented cash crop production systems with significant trade in spices (mainly pepper and cardamom), coffee, tea and rubber. Since the colonial period, the agricultural sector of the state has witnessed tremendous transformation, characterized by expansion of commercial crops, essentially at the expense of food crops. The unique geographical features characterized by steep terrain and undulating topography has precluded the state from extensive cultivation of its staple grain, namely, paddy, on the hills and slopes, which have increasingly been utilized for growing commercial crops (Kieniewics 1989, as cited in Tharakan 1997). Thus, over time, the agricultural sector drifted away from food crop production, mainly paddy, to cash crops, and this trend was justified on the grounds that rice, the staple food of Kerala, could be freely imported from neighbouring states.1 This process of intensive commercialization of agriculture continued unrestrained over time, though there have been unstinting efforts by the state to reinvigorate food production, especially rice, through massive and consistent public investment in the development of agricultural and irrigation infrastructure under the subsequent Five-Year Plans.