Kerala Economy Research Articles

Evaluating Sustainability: A Social Cost-Benefit Analysis of Shrimp Aquaculture Practices in Kerala

Kerala is blessed with an abundance of freshwater and brackish water rivers, estuaries, backwaters, and interconnecting backwaters. These bodies of water add to the inland production and make the land lush and fertile. As per the ‘State Wise Area Utilized and Production of Tiger Shrimp 2020-21’ data of MPEDA Kerala has 2813.85ha area under culture in hectares and 1128.98 estimated production in tonnes. In the last decades its development has attracted considerable attention because of its export potential. During the study period (2017-18), Kerala produced an estimated 2,952.56 metric tonnes of farmed shrimp annually, out of which 26.34 percent were produced scientifically and the remaining 73.66 percent were produced traditionally. State fishery sector is also promoting ‘one paddy one shrimp farming’ project as it is suitable for coastal wetland economy like Kerala. Consequently, shrimp aquaculture sector plays a major role in the coastal wetland economy of Kerala, which has 234 prawn filtration fields covering 12873ha and 65213ha of brackish water area. ‘Sustainable blue economy’ states that shrimp aquaculture contributes to food security, social status, livelihood for the poor, women's empowerment through employment, increased family income, and purchasing power to the Kerala economy, it is necessary to question the sustainability of the Kerala shrimp aquaculture sector, particularly in light of the micro plastic pollution caused by current shrimp aquaculture practices. Kerala is a top producer of shrimp raised in aquaculture due to its abundant backwater and estuary water bodies. There are claims that the amount of shrimp consumed domestically is also rising. Exposure to Micro plastics poses a severe risk to the health and well-being of regular shrimp users. Using Soya Bean Meal (SBM), a reasonably priced and sustainable substitute for artificial fish feed becomes necessary. In light of this, this paper conducts a sustainability analysis based on social cost-benefit analysis of the feeding practices currently used by the shrimp aquaculture industry in Kerala.

Pattern of occupational shift among Malabar migrants: a case study of Kallar grama panchayath in Kerala

The impact of the migration on the economy of Kerala in general and of Malabar in particular needs special mention. Large scale production of commercial crops like rubber, ginger, pepper, arecanut and coconut, advanced methods of cultivation and the introduction of new agricultural crops are some of the aspects to be highlighted. Migration to Malabar turned out to be a mass movement, as migration of half a million people took place without any design, organisation or leadership. Famine was a driving force behind large scale migration. Land prices were very low as compared with Travancore. The increasing tendency of cultivation of commercial crops helped the migration. It is a form of agriculture to agriculture migration, anticipating a long run improvement and can be perceived as a human capital decision. This often leads to change of traditional occupation to other and substantial socio economic development. The immigrant people change their occupation from agriculture or agricultural labour to industrial labour or some other jobs. The present study focuses the changes that take place in the occupational pattern of the Malabar migrants in Kallar Grama Panchayath in Kasaragod district of Kerala

Determinants of COVID Induced Repatriation of Emigrant Labourers from GCC Countries to Kerala, India: An Econometric Analysis

The COVID-induced repatriation of the emigrant labourers from GCC countries to Kerala, India, unprecedentedly unfolds more significant ramifications for the Kerala economy. The study empirically estimated the significant determinants behind the abrupt decision to repatriate emigrant labourers from GCC countries to their country of origin, India. The data compiled from COVID-induced repatriated emigrant labourers using Logistic regression revealed that factors like age, marital status and status of family migration at the destination were the compelling reasons for the distress of return emigrant labourers. The repatriated labourers belonged to the younger age group with acquired experience and skill sets at their destination, giving them an added advantage to get them remigrated to GCC countries rather than be a part of the domestic labour market.

Empathy of Bank Employees and Its Influence on Service Quality of Banks: Evidence from the Knowledge Economy of Kerala in Digital India

ICT is being aggressively promoted by the Govt. of India (GOI) as part of its ‘Digital India’ and such other policies like JAM. In this ICT-thrust era in Digital India, ‘Empathy’ aspect of service quality of banks is studied in this paper, focusing on housing finance segment-a national priority. ‘Housing for All’ is a national goal of the GOI and topmost priority is being accorded to housing sector by the State and Union Governments and also by the regulatory bodies like National Housing Bank (NHB) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This study is based on the feedback from 600 housing loan customers of banks in Kerala – a State that strives to turn into a ‘Knowledge Economy’ or ‘Digital Kerala’ in the context of ‘Digital India’. This paper makes an empirical study of the service quality in respect of the housing finance business of banks with a focus on the empathy of staff. It observes that even in this ICT era, a real ‘Willingness to help’ and other empathy values for the bank staff and also a ‘Human touch’ in their deals are vital for success.

Assessment of Kerala Tourism Industry-An Economic Perspective

The paper throws a light on the status of tourism sector of Kerala, and as a major source of economic development contributor. It is positioned as ‘God’s Own Country’ by the Department of Tourism. Every year’s millions of people are attracted by the State due to its beautiful beaches, hills stations, backwater cannels, tea gardens, ethereal waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, festivals and friendly people. Kerala is one of the most popular destinations for both national and international tourists in India. September to March is the ideal time for visiting the state. Kochi City, Munnar, Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, and Guruvayoor are popular destinations of tourists. Foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector have been in the increasing trend since last decade, except the duration of the covid effect. It is observed that the tourism sector is vital for the economy of Kerala and the initiatives taken by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation would go a long way facilitating the development of the state. A study has been conducted to know and understand the current status of both domestic and international tourism vis-à-vis pre and post covid scenario. Simple average, percentage, and ranks are used to present and analyse the data for common understanding of the objectives. Advanced regression statistics like R square value analysis and correlation analysis is used to draw statistical inferences in the study. The authors in this paper genuinely feel that, the Hypotheses Test Results are expected to throw further light upon the utility of the study to the Academicians, Researchers, Policy Makers, and Industry Personnel as various means of Business Development and Socio Economic Contribution.

Role and Effect of Migrant Workers on Economic Rationalization and the Unorganized Sector in Kerala

Recently, there has been a significant arrival of migrant labourers from various parts of India to Kerala, attracted by higher wages, abundant job opportunities, and a shortage of local workers. This study aims to explore the impact of migrant workers on Kerala’s economy and labour market, examining their professional and personal benefits. Employing a descriptive research approach, the study heavily relies on secondary sources from print and digital media, including books, journals, newspapers, articles, and government databases. It analyzes the effect of migration on economic rationalization and assesses the economic and social advantages brought about by migration. Parameters such as the number of migrant employees, labour force participation rate, worker-population ratio, and wage rates are investigated. The study anticipates a substantial increase in migrant workers in the Kerala economy, from 650,000 in 2011 to 31,500,000 in 2020. It also reveals improvements in earnings and employment prospects, particularly in the construction industry (60%), manufacturing sector (8%), lodging and food services (7%), commerce (2%), and agriculture (2%). Migration enhances living conditions, enriches social lives, and promotes intergroup harmony through exposure to diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF KERALA- A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON KERALA ECONOMY

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), originated at Wuhan, China, has spread to more than 158 countries of the world infecting more than 47 crores of the population as per World Health Organisation data. Since most of the countries had their primary infection through people from pandemic areas, many countries have stopped flight operations and closed their borders. Moreover the pandemic brought trade and business of the affected countries into halt and they also restricted the movement of people in all respects. The flight cancellations caused huge loss to the airline industry. Likewise, many sectors of the society were affected with the prolonged country-wide lockdown, global economic downturn and associated disruption of demand and supply chains. Apart from being a global health concern, COVID-19 is having major consequences on the world economy, and experts have predicted that COVID- 19 will lower global gross domestic product growth by one-half a percentage point for 2020. Furthermore, the economy is likely to face a protracted period of slowdown. The Indian economy also witnessed an unprecedented shock due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The economic impact is determined by the length of the lockdown and how the situation unfolds after it is lifted. It is important to have a coherent interference of the global researchers to understand and limit the economic fallout. In this context, this study aims to discuss the potential impacts of the pandemic over economy of Kerala, by assessing the GDP data for the last 10 years from 2011to 2020.

Impact of spider mite feeding on vegetable crops

Agriculture plays an important role to determine the economy of Kerala. Being primarily an agriculturalstate, contribution of Kerala to the vegetable crop industry is a crucial one. However, despite the rich diversity ofour vegetable crops, knowledge on their faunal composition, particularly of spider mites as pests and other relateddetails remains very much limited. In recent years due to random use of chlorinated hydrocarbons for control ofgeneral pests, which in turn kill their natural enemies, and because of using high yielding varieties and improvedagricultural practices, many mite species which were of less importance or of no value at all during the past haveassumed the status of major pests. These, among other factors have further aggravated the situation of the problemof spider mites as pests.The plant feeding mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) has piercing and sucking type of mouth parts with whichit pierces the leaf tissue and sucks the plant sap. The point of suction is marked by the appearance of white spotswhich gradually coalesce to form chlorotic patches, necrotic patches etc. Spider mite feeding cause various typesof direct damage like loss of chlorophyll, appearance of striplings or bronzing of foliage, stunting of growth,formation of galls and erineal patches thereby causing an array of deformities and reduction of yield. The intensityof damage ranging from simple mechanical injury to complex physiological alterations of the plant tissues wouldlead to collapse of the photosynthetic machinery of the plant. Apart from direct damages, many are known to actas vectors of plant viral diseases causing more potential loss to growers. In many instances, lack of informationabout the correct identity of spider mites, their biology and ecology caused serious consequences to agriculture.In view of their importance in agriculture, the present study is thought to be highly warranted, as it isenvisaged with a view to provide information on the impact of feeding of the spider mites

Covid 19 And Its Implications For Gulf Migrants: Some Reflections From Kerala

Covid 19 Has Primarily Affected Gulf Migrants Specifically To Developing Countries Like India. Kerala Is One Of India's Most Popular Immigration Destinations, And Migrant Workers Account For A Sizable Portion Of The State's Workforce. Because Of High Pay Levels And Growing Demand For Manual Labour Jobs, Migrant Workers Appear To Be In All Occupations And Sectors Of The Regional Economy.The Article Also Aims To Explore And Evaluate The State's Response To The Covid 19 Crisis. Kerala's Efforts To Address The Pandemic Demonstrate That They Have Been Innovative And Exceptional. Even So, Many Immigrants Are Ignorant And Work Primarily In The Informal Or Unorganised Sector In Gulf. TheReturn Migrants Once Were The Backbone Of Kerala Economy Has Changed To A Side-Lined Community All Of A Sudden. They Are Not Organised And Are Neither In A Position To Negotiate For Their Rights Nor Labour Standards. Even After The Migration Period, The Life Of Gulf Migrants Is Filled With Troubles And Diseases; Thus, They Lead Their Lives Without The Care Of Extended Family Members Or The State. These Migrants Face Similar Social And Economic Challenges Once They Lose The Tag Of Breadwinners For The Family. The Study Exclusively Focuses On The Socio-Economic Life-Social Networks Of These Migrants Who Are Dumped By The State And Society And Excluded From Society's Socio-Cultural Frame. The Present Research Will Help Frame New Policies For The Betterment Of Return Migrants Who Worked In GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar And The UAE). The Study Gives A Better Outlook For The Life Of Return Migrants' In Kerala, Especially In Covid 19 Scenario.

Covid 19 and its Implications for Gulf Migrants: Some Reflections from Kerala

Covid 19 Has Primarily Affected Gulf Migrants Specifically To Developing Countries Like India. Kerala Is One Of India's Most Popular Immigration Destinations, And Migrant Workers Account For A Sizable Portion Of The State's Workforce. Because Of High Pay Levels And Growing Demand For Manual Labour Jobs, Migrant Workers Appear To Be In All Occupations And Sectors Of The Regional Economy. The Article Also Aims To Explore And Evaluate The State's Response To The Covid 19 Crisis. Kerala's Efforts To Address The Pandemic Demonstrate That They Have Been Innovative And Exceptional. Even So, Many Immigrants Are Ignorant And Work Primarily In The Informal Or Unorganised Sector In Gulf. The Return Migrants Once Were The Backbone Of Kerala Economy Has Changed To A Side-Lined Community All Of A Sudden. They Are Not Organised And Are Neither In A Position To Negotiate For Their Rights Nor Labour Standards. Even After The Migration Period, The Life Of Gulf Migrants Is Filled With Troubles And Diseases; Thus, They Lead Their Lives Without The Care Of Extended Family Members Or The State. These Migrants Face Similar Social And Economic Challenges Once They Lose The Tag Of Breadwinners For The Family. The Study Exclusively Focuses On The Socio-Economic Life- Social Networks Of These Migrants Who Are Dumped By The State And Society And Excluded From Society's Socio-Cultural Frame. The Present Research Will Help Frame New Policies For The Betterment Of Return Migrants Who Worked In GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar And The UAE). The Study Gives A Better Outlook For The Life Of Return Migrants' In Kerala, Especially In Covid 19 Scenario.

Economic Growth, Structural Transformation and Incidence of Poverty: Evidence from Kerala Economy

In this paper, the emphasis is given to discussing the association between the growth rate and poverty reduction in Kerala. Kerala has become one of the states registering a high growth rate in the country. Kerala has undergone a structural change in growth and structural changes bear its effects on poverty and unemployment. In other words, poverty could be regarded as a declining function of the growth and structural change of an economy. Kerala, to a greater extent, stands testimony to this hypothesis. It is obvious that Kerala has registered remarkable progress in the growth rate of State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP) and the per capita income compared to other states in India. Compared to the past record of the State in the fifties, sixties, and seventies, the growth in production and service sectors in recent times has been more commendable. It is also found that the high growth that Kerala achieved in recent times has led to a commensurate decline in her poverty ratio compared to the all India levels and other states in India.

Surviving the aftermaths of natural disasters: the earthen vessels of Kerala, India

PurposeSince 2018, the two floods and droughts that struck Kerala's economy have threatened the state's sustainable earthen vessel production. Current studies allocate focus to the pottery industry's techno-social impacts and ethnography of the potter community; hence, there is a gap in understanding consumers, who are responsible for environmentally conscious behaviors, and their switch from earthen vessels to other materials adaptable to modern kitchens. This study aims to bridge gaps in understanding the reasons behind their demand shift and the challenges of earthenware consumption and production after the disasters.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative research explored the perceptions of pottery producers and consumers in Kerala. The sample for the primary survey comprised 590 randomly selected consumers and one master artisan from each of Kerala's total of 44 registered pottery communities. Unpublished records provided the secondary data on production and sales.FindingsAn upward shift in the demand for earthen vessels after natural calamities is observed. Quality, availability and adaptability are consumer concerns. The Markov chain analysis predicts that future consumption of earthen vessels depends on improved marketing mix strategies. After natural disasters, persistent demand exists for earthen vessels, but sustainable production is challenged due to the deteriorating quality and shortage of clay along with the consequent increase in procurement costs of raw materials.Originality/valueAs the earthen vessel industry was affected by disasters very recently, this study contributes an immediate exploration of its sustainable production and consumption challenges.

Impact of Trade Liberalisation Policies on the Coconut Export from India

The present study analysed the impact of trade policies on coconut economy of Kerala based on the secondary data from Coconut Development Board (CDB) and Export-Import data bank of Government of India. Exponential growth function, Cuddy- Della instability index and Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) were used to compute the growth rates, instability indices and comparative advantage, respectively. Though trade liberalization adversely affected the coconut farmers during the initial phase of liberalization, it subsequently increased the opportunities of the Indian coconut sector to compete in the world market. Compared to Period I (1980-81 to 1993-94), a significant improvement in the coconut export was observed during Period II (1994-95 to 2007-08) and Period III (2008-09 to 2016-17). The high growth rates of coconut products together with low instability indices in the export revealed the prospects for Indian coconut sector in the global market during the post liberalization period. The value of RSCA revealed that India lacked any comparative advantage of coconut export in Period I. While in Period II, the export of coconut and copra possessed a comparative advantage from 2002 and 2005, respectively, and maintained the comparative advantage throughout the Period III. The result indicated that India must give much effort to increase the export share of coconut, copra and other value-added coconut products to augment the foreign earnings.

Inclusion of Interstate Migrant Workers in Kerala and Lessons for India.

An estimated 3.5 million interstate migrant workers have become an indispensable part of Kerala’s economy. The state also offers the highest wages for migrant workers for jobs in the unorganised sector in the entire Indian subcontinent. Further, the state has evolved several measures for the inclusion of the workers and was able to effectively respond to their distress during the national lockdown. This paper examines labour migration to Kerala, key measures by the government to promote the social security of the workers and the state’s response to the distress of migrant workers during lockdown, by synthesising the available secondary evidence. The welfare measures as well as interventions initiated by the state are exemplary and promising given the intent and provisions. However, some of them do not appear to have consideration of the grassroots requirements and implementation mechanisms to enhance access. As a result, the policy intent and substantial investments have not yielded the expected results. The state’s effective response to the distress of workers during the lockdown emanates from its overall disaster preparedness and resilience achieved from confronting with two consecutive state-wide natural disasters and a public health emergency in the immediate past. While the government has played a strategic role through policy imperative and ensuring a synergistic response, the data presented by the state indicate a much larger but invisible role played by the employers and civil society in providing food and shelter to workers.

Democratic Communism: Cape of Good Hope to New Kerala

During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Great Flood 2018, the survival of the Kerala Economy is a collective consciousness of the people and their committed Government. The article explores a few sectoral achievements which are remarkable as an alternate when the world undergoes the output contraction and growth sluggishness. Though Kerala being part of India, took bold steps to strengthen its economy in all front despite the challenges.

Technology enabled online learning in a Digital age

The impact of COVID 19 on the Kerala economy is far beyond the mitigation efforts and almost all the sectors are affected adversely even though the state has an upper hand in fighting the virus and preventing its transmission. COVID-19 is proving to be unique; a rolling combination of a health pandemic and a financial condition wrapping the tentacles on the globe in record time impacting a side shock to all of the key economies. The damage caused by the virus and also the policy responses it requires are deep and multifaceted. The economic side is terribly shattered with a setback in the core revenue sectors which will push the state into financial doldrums. The intensity of the impact will be beyond the expectation and almost every business/sector will face hard times in the coming days. The pandemic may be controlled but the impact it created on the economy takes many years to be revived. The paper focuses on the impact of the pandemic on one of the vital sectors-the higher education which has become a standstill due to the sudden disruption in the academic schedule and present information on the prospect in progressing education by creating an effective pedagogy of online education systems.

Socio-Cultural and Economic Impact of Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an ecumenical carnival of voguish art held in Kochi Kerala. It is the biggest dexterity carnival and largest voguish art fiesta in Asia. Kochi Biennale foundation collaborating with government of Kerala have initiated the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The display of voguish art is spread across Kochi, with manifestations being held in galleries, site specific installations in public area heritage buildings and disused structure. The impact of Biennale in the economy of Kerala is an important area for a research work. But in this study we tried to understand the socio - cultural and economic impact of Kochi- Muziris Biennale in the state of Kerala. The study is analytical in nature and data collected from different classes of employees’ from various sectors and also from public. Primary and secondary data are collected for the study. The primary data are collected with the help of standard questionnaire and different journals, magazines and periodicals are used as secondary data.

Economic Impact of Tourism Development on Kerala Economy with Special Reference to Service Providers in Selected North Kerala Destinations

Economic Impact of Tourism Development on Kerala Economy with Special Reference to Service Providers in Selected North Kerala Destinations

Determination of optimum crop mix for crop cultivation in Kerala homesteads

Homestead farming has been the backbone agricultural economy of Kerala but the productivity of the homesteads in Kerala has yet to reach an acceptable level. In this paper the possibility of increasing the contribution of this sector through proper crop planning is sought. The optimum model was developed by using linear programming (LP) technique. The constraints included in the analysis were total area, intercropped area, investment amount and population of each enterprise. The optimum model reveal the scope of 22.83 per cent enhancement in net return as compared to net return from the existing plan. Sensitivity analysis of the optimum model revealed that further enhancement of net return in The agro-ecological region could be achieved by increasing the cropping intensity in the underutilized intercropped area and changing the binding enterprises.

Impact of institutionalisation of labour through labour banks on the rice farming sector in Kerala

Steep fall in the State Domestic Product from the share of agriculture and allied activities from 22 per cent in 1999-2000 to 8.33 per cent in 2014-15 indicates the decline in agricultural sector which was once the backbone of Kerala economy. Kerala agriculture is faced with twin problems of farmers as well as farm labourers abandoning cultivation. Traditional farmers are seen leaving farming due to instability in price of produce and income, seasonal labour scarcity and high labour cost, and ultimately unfavourable benefit cost ratio. Younger generations are not attracted to farming mainly due to lack of life security, social security, social status and drudgery in farming operations. Labour bank initiatives have been undertaken under the auspices of certain local governments to address the problem of labour scarcity and irregular employment opportunities to labourers. Green Army Labour Bank (GALB) was formed as an institutionalized selfsustaining group of skilled labour force fostered by the local body of Wadakkanchery block in Thrissur district in 2008 with modern farm techniques and interventions and farm machineries. A systematic study has been undertaken to assess the impact of GALB on the welfare of the stake holders and status of rice farming. GALB as a labour institution could increase the labour availability and income and thus improve the welfare of its members. These benefits were partially not available for a section of ordinary labourers who were not GA members. The loss in their labour days and income may be compensated by other complimentary employment programmes like MGNREGS, other income generating activities and increasing labour opportunities in the area. GA intervention could bring more area under plough, improve cropping intensity and thus create more labour days. The potential of the labour institutions should be realized and exploited to meet the present challenge of the State, the fallow land utilization. The farmers associated with GA were benefited by higher crop productivity, income and BCR of rice farming. Improving rice area and productivity a will improve the total food grain production . The results of the study will help to evaluate the working of the newly launched ‘KarshikaKarmasena’ by the State of Kerala. Institutionalising of labour bank system with convergence of Local Selfgovernment, State Governments departments, Co-operative banks and NGO’s can be a replicable model for addressing the issues of labour scarcity, lack of capital faced by the farmers and welfare of labourers.