Kerala Agricultural Calendar

Rooted in rhythm, guided by the stars-experience Kerala’s farming heritage

A seasonal guide to the rhythms of Kerala’s farming life

Kerala’s agricultural practices are deeply connected to its distinct climate patterns, especially the two monsoon seasons. This calendar outlines the major crops and farming activities across the year, aligning with Kerala’s Kharif, Rabi, and Summer seasons, as well as the traditional Njattuvela system.

Month-by-Month Agricultural Activities

January – Winter / Summer Preparation

• Major Crops: Second rice crop (Mundakan), vegetables, pulses

• Activities: Harvesting of Mundakan paddy, land preparation for summer crops

February – Summer Season

• Major Crops: Vegetables, pulses, banana

• Activities: Sowing summer pulses and vegetables, irrigation management

March – Summer Season

• Major Crops: Cashew, coconut, pepper

• Activities: Cashew harvesting, coconut and pepper maintenance, managing summer irrigation

April – Summer Season

• Major Crops: Mango, banana, vegetables

• Activities: Mango harvesting, banana planting, soil preparation for upcoming planting

May – Summer Season

• Major Crops: First rice crop (Virippu), vegetables

• Activities: Land preparation and sowing of Virippu paddy before the monsoon

June – Southwest Monsoon Begins

• Major Crops: Paddy, pepper, coconut

• Activities: Paddy crop growth, monsoon spice planting, weed control

July – Southwest Monsoon

• Major Crops: Rubber, tea, coffee

• Activities: Fertilizer application and maintenance in plantations

August – Mid-Monsoon

• Major Crops: Rice, spices, tubers

• Activities: Tuber planting (yam, tapioca), mid-season paddy care

September – Late Monsoon

• Major Crops: Rice, banana

• Activities: Harvesting Virippu paddy, planting banana (especially for Onam season)

October – Northeast Monsoon

• Major Crops: Second rice crop (Mundakan), pepper

• Activities: Sowing Mundakan paddy, managing pepper flowering

November – Post-Monsoon/Winter

• Major Crops: Spices, vegetables

• Activities: Harvesting cardamom and nutmeg, vegetable planting begins

December – Post-Monsoon/Winter

• Major Crops: Rice, coconut, rubber

• Activities: Harvesting Mundakan paddy, coconut harvesting, plantation upkeep

Key Seasonal Highlights:

• Paddy Cultivation Seasons:

  • Virippu (May–Aug)

  • Mundakan (Sept–Dec)

  • Puncha (Nov–Mar in water-rich areas)

• Major Cash Crops:
  Coconut, rubber, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg

• Common Fruits & Vegetables:
  Banana, mango, pineapple, jackfruit, yam, tapioca

• Seasonal Notes:
  Monsoon months are ideal for organic vegetable gardens, spice planting, and natural soil enrichment.