Below Sea Level Farming System (Kuttanad)

The Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System is a traditional agricultural system in Kerala, India, where rice is cultivated on land below sea level. Through the use of bunds and polders, local communities protect the fields from flooding and saltwater intrusion. The system integrates rice cultivation with inland fisheries and duck farming, making sustainable use of the delta's wetlands. It has been recognized by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).