Agriculture in Kannur District: High-rainfall plantation belt of the Konkan and Malabar coast
Kannur is one of Kerala's notable agricultural districts, best known for high-rainfall plantation belt of the Konkan and Malabar coast. Its farmland is fed by local canals and wells and sits on predominantly laterite and coastal alluvial soil, a combination that favours spices, cashew, banana. Unlike a generic state average, Kannur's cropping is shaped by this specific soil-and-water mix, which is why the crops and schemes below are weighted to what actually grows and sells here.
What Grows Best in Kannur
The district's main crops are spices, Cashew Nut, Banana, rubber, Rice (Paddy), Coconut, Arecanut (Supari). spices leads the local economy, so Kannur farmers should track the spices rate closely and plan sowing, inputs and storage around it. The laterite and coastal alluvial soil here is fertile and well-drained, ideal for wheat, rice, sugarcane and vegetables.
Crop Calendar for Kannur (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Kannur's main crops, here is when to sow and harvest locally. Plan inputs, labour and credit around these windows:
| Crop | Season & Window | Today's Rate |
|---|---|---|
| spices | Local seasonal crop | - |
| 🌰 Cashew Nut | Mar-May | ₹12,616/qtl |
| 🍌 Banana | Year-round (12-15 months from planting) | ₹4,200/qtl |
| rubber | Local seasonal crop | - |
| 🍚 Rice (Paddy) | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov) | ₹4,100/qtl |
| 🥥 Coconut | Year-round perennial (peak: Nov-Jan) | ₹5,500/qtl |
| 🌰 Arecanut (Supari) | Winter harvest | ₹38,000/qtl |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Kannur
With laterite and coastal alluvial soil and canal and groundwater irrigation, the priority for Kannur farmers is matching irrigation to the crop. Drip and sprinkler subsidies and a solar pump can cut water and power costs significantly. A free soil health card tells you exactly which nutrients your laterite and coastal alluvial plot needs.
Best Way to Sell spices from Kannur
Since spices is central to Kannur, time your sale using the live spices rate. Compare rates at the nearest APMC mandi with the Kerala price page. Grade and clean produce for a 15-20% premium, and list on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Kannur.
Government Schemes for Kannur Farmers
Farmers in Kannur are eligible for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card, Soil Health Card Scheme, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, eNAM - National Agriculture Market and more. For Kannur's spices growers, crop insurance, KCC and irrigation subsidies are the priority. Apply at the Kannur district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.