The total
geographical area and population of Wayanad are 2,126 sq.kms, (2,12,560
hects) and 672128 respectively, which account for 5.48 percent and 2.31
percent of the state total. The male and female populations are 3,41,958
and 3,30,170 respectively. The female-male sex ratio is 966 per 1000
males. The density of population is 315 per sq. km. (1991 census) against
260 in 1981, showing an increase of 21 percent.
The literacy rate in
the region is 70.61 percent. Male literates are 2,55,679 and females are
2,18,933.
Its geographical
position is peculiar and unique. The difference in altitudes of each
locality within the district presents a variation of climatic conditions.
Nature has blessed this part of the country beautifully with mist- clad
mountains and sylvan valleys. The idyllic nature of Wayanad, its nearness
to Udagamandalam (Ooty) and Mysore with well-laid roads to these centres,
offer tremendous tourist potentialities.
A visitor
may be impressed by the extensive paddy fields of the district.
Agriculture in Wayanad is equally divided between paddy and plantation
crops, except coconut. The hills, which are deep blue in bright sunlight
and lie mist-covered most of the time, juxtaposes with the green of these
paddy fields. This in fact is a splendid spectacle.
The east flowing
rivers of Wayanad are in striking contrast to the various rivers of the
resty of Kerala. The river Kabani of Wayanad is a perennial source of
water to Cauvery. The Panamaram rivulet, originating from Lakkidi and
Mananthavady rivulet originating from Thondarmudi Peak, meet six
kilometers north of Panamaram town and after the confluence, the river is
known as Kabani.
Coffee is ubiquitous
in Wayanad. It is cultivated in every panchayats, both in the form of
large plantations and smallholdings. The economy of Wayanad depends mainly
on coffee. In Kerala coffee is cultivated in an area of 75,057 hects. With
Wayanad district having the highest area of 66,999 hectares. Pepper is
grown as an additional crop on trees that are groomed to give shade to the
coffee shrubs. In Pulpally area, there are exclusive pepper gardens. Tea
is cultivated in large estates.
Wayanad
has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 17.1 % of
the total population of the district. The aborigin4s of Wayanad have a
great political tradition. This area was originally reigned by the Rajahs
of the Veda tribe. Later political authority came to the Pazhassi Rajahs
of Kottayam royal dynasty.
The Kurichyas of
Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of
Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who engaged the British forces in
several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert
archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibited recently,
at various centres.
Wayanad has an
agricultural economy and it has no major industry to boast of. Heavy
industry will probably tilt the ecological and demographic balance
adversely. The idyllic nature of this district, together with its
colourful tribal life and brazing climate, will make tourism pay rich
dividends.
Developmental
activities are bringing about a change in the poor man’s quality of
life. Through the co-operative sector, Asdivasis are provided with a
better deal in the economic life. There are 324 co-operative institutions.
Of this 40 SC-ST service co-operative socirties cater to their farm and
market requirements. Besides there are three co-operative collective farms
incluiding the famous Sugandhagiri Project. A labour contract co-operative
society for the benefit of Adivasis is also functioning here.
A notable feature of
life in Wayanad is that it is touched to its very roots by the operation
of the nationalized, commercial and co-operative banks. The branches of
these banks located in the remote areas of the district have a busy time
during the marketing time of cash crops.
