1.5 Objectives of the Study This study is a development oriented village level study. The major thrust of the study is on the revival and development of paddy farming sector in Kuttanad region. With this focus the study aims a) To examine the salient features in the transformation of the rice economy of Kuttanad region, b) To examine the socioeconomic profile of paddy farmers in the study area, c) To analyse the changes in paddy farming operations in the study area, d) To assess the economic viability of paddy cultivation in its present level, e) To identify the current problems in paddy farming and , f) To suggest appropriate measures for the development of paddy farming sector in the study area,