This beautiful High range district of Kerala is geographically known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with Power Generation. About 66% of the State's Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala and only 3.7 percent of the population of Kerala.
Idukki district was formed on 26 January 1972.The district consists of Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermedu taluks of the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk (excluding two villages Manjallore and Kalloorkadu) of the erstwhile Ernakulam district. At the time of formation the district headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and from there it was shifted to Painavu in Thodupuzha taluk in June 1976, where it is proposed to build a new planned forest township.
History IDUKKI District was formed on 26 January 1972 as per Government notification No 54131/C2/71/RD dated 24th January 1972. The district consists of Devikulam, Udumbanchola and Peermedu taluks of the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk (excluding two villages Manjallore and Kalloorkadu) of the erstwhile Ernakulam district. At the time of formation the district headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and from there it was shifted to Painavu in Thodupuzha taluk in June 1976, where it is proposed to build a new planned forest township. The district's name, 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word 'Idukku' which means a narrow gorge. Periyar which is one of the largest rivers of Kerala, flowing through Idukki gorge formed between the two high massive rocks called "Kuravan" and "Kurathi", is the site of the gigantic Idukki arch dam. We have very little authentic knowledge which throws light into the ancient history of Idukki district. Eventhough there is no clear evidence whether men of the paleolithic age lived here, there is evidence of stone-age civilisation. Stone-age dolmens were discovered in the valleys of Anchanad in Devikulam taluk. Archaeological excavation conducted during 1947-48 at Kallar Pattom colony in Udumbanchola taluk and at Vandiperiyar in Peermedu taluk brought to light the remains of Old Stone-age Menhir and Tombs. |  |
Karikode near Thodupuzha was the head quarters of Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is remains of a fort at Karikkode. Near this fort there is a Devi temple said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is also another temple by name Annamala Temple constructed in Chola style. The church at Muthalakodam, near Thodupuzha is believed to have constructed before 13th Century. The Ninnar Mosque near Karikkode is said to have constructed by the Vadakkumkoor Raja for his Muslim soldiers. Thodupuzha was also a nerve business centre. There is historical evidence to prove that from ancient time onwards ivory, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, peacock etc., were exported to foreign countries.
Occupations
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the District. Dairy is the main supplementary source of income of the farmers in the district. Recently, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, medicinal plants, vanilla cultivation etc., are being taken up by some progressive farmers / women in the district.
| Total Workers | 3,89,136 |
| Cultivators | 75,392 |
| Agricultural labourers | 86,030 |
| Cottage & Household Ind. | 4,437 |
| Other workers | 2,20,783 |
| Marginal workers | 39,470 |
| Non-workers | 6,84,390 |
Agriculture
 | This District has the agro-climatic conditions suitable for the cultivation of plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, cardamom, pepper, etc. The District acquired 2nd place in the state in agriculture produces. Small and marginal farmers are predominant in the district. However, in High land areas there are large holdings of plantations of tea, cardamom etc. owned by corporate bodies and private agencies. |
This District, a creation of God's natural beauty, has Tea Gardens in the north while major hilly areas have Cardamom plantation. Hilly terrain, lack of proper irrigation facilities and accessibility, forest cover and topography in general make a major portion of the available land unsuitable for cultivation. Even then agriculture and animal husbandry are the main occupation of the people. The district is famous for production of spices like pepper and cardamom. Rubber, Coffee and Coconut are the other important crops in the district. More than 80 per cent of the cropped area is under perennial crops. The district is declared as a `Spices District` and a 'Technology Mission' has been set up for the development of spices. Land Holding Pattern of the total area of 5,10,522 Ha., 2,17,005 Ha are under cultivation. Non food crops occupies about 90,000 Ha. The per capita availability of the land in Idukki district is 0.24 Ha. |  |
Cropping Pattern
Agriculture is the most important segment of the economy and is still the largest source of employment in the district. Cardamom, Tea, Rubber and Coffee account for more than 50 % of the total cropped area and Pepper occupy about 25%. Paddy cultivation is comparatively less, confined to around 5000 Ha. The major crops grown and the area and production under these crops are furnished here under |  |
| Crop | Area (Ha) | % of Total Croped Area | Production (Tonnes) | |
| Cardamom | 55174 | 27.23 | 2935 |  |
| Pepper | 34759 | 17.15 | 14096 |  |
| Rubber | 34595 | 17.07 | 24479 |  |
| Tea | 23557 | 11.62 | 46697 |  |
| Coconut | 14864 | 7.33 | 63 (millian numbers) |  |
| Coffee | 10834 | 5.34 | 3990 |  |
| Tapioca | 6490 | 3.20 | 185688 |  |
| Paddy | 5078 | 2.50 | 10953 | |
| Jackfruit | 3188 | 1.57 | 15978(000's) | |
| Sugarcane | 2768 | 1.30 | 17964 | |
| Banana & other plants | 2082 | 1.01 | 20878 | |
| Arecanut | 1558 | 0.77 | 479 (millian numbers) | |
| Ginger | 1551 | 0.77 | 5734 | |
| Lemon Grass | 1476 | 0.73 | 99 | |
| Cocoa | 1418 | 0.70 | 619 | |
| Mango | 1426 | 0.70 | 2354 | |
| Cashew | 848 | 0.42 | 555 | |
| Pappaya | 379 | 0.19 | 758 | |
| Pineapple | 188 | 0.09 | 1932 | |
| Turmeric | 192 | 0.09 | 454 | |
| Tamarind | 168 | 0.08 | 319 | |
| Seasmum | 146 | 0.07 | 42 |
Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry activities are the major subsidiary occupations of the farming community. Extensive pasture, grazing lands and the favorable climate make the district suitable for rearing. Livestock wealth has great significance in the agricultural economy of the district. As per the latest survey, there is a total cattle population of 215432 animals in the district, of which 192311 are cows, 20863 are buffaloes and 2258 are sheeps. There is additional population of 504076 of other animals. Animal health cover is provided by the Animal Husbandry Department through its veterinary institutions located at panchayat levels. Artificial insemination facilities are available throughout the district. |  |
The Veterinary Institutions in the District | ||
| Name of the Institution | Numbers | Telephone STD-0486 |
| District Animal Husbandry Office, Thodupuzha | 1 | 222894 |
| District Veterinary Centre, Thodupuzha | 1 | 229063 |
| Veterinary Poly Clinic(Kattappana & Nedumkandam) | 2 | |
| Veterinary Hospitals | 9 | |
| Veterinary Dispensary | 45 | |
| Mobile Farm Aid Unit | 2 | |
| Mobile Veterinary Dispensary | 1 | |
| Intensive Cattle Development Program Office, Kattappana | 1 | |
| Regional Artificial Insemination Centre | 4 | |
| Rinder Pest Check Post | 1 | |
| Rinder Pest Vigilance Unit, Nudumkandam | 1 | |
| District Poultry Farm, Kolani | 1 | |
| Pig Farm, Kolani | 1 | |
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