FAQ

What is Puncha rice/ paddy?

Puncha rice refers to the third rice crop grown during the Puncha season in Kerala, which starts with sowing in December-January and ends with harvest in March-April. It is one of the three traditional rice-growing seasons in the state, alongside Mundakan (winter crop) and Virippu (autumn crop).

The districts of Palakkad, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kottayam contribute approximately 80% of Kerala’s total rice production. In the Kuttanad region, where much of the Puncha paddy is cultivated, farming takes place in fields that are below sea level. These fields, surrounded by nutrient-rich backwaters, are abundant in biomass, resulting in high yields.

Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala," lies predominantly in Alappuzha district and extends into parts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, making it a vital region for rice cultivation in the state.