Context

Local Industry

The main industry in Devikulam is agriculture. Most residents in the village have their own land, cultivating crops such as tapioca, rice, sugar cane, ground nuts and watermelon. Residents in the colony however, generally work as agri-coolis (labourers for other farms). There are a small number of households where the main income is an old age Government pension of around Rs 400 per month. There are a few youth who have also left Devikulam and are living and working in cities and towns as there are greater opportunities for employment and income. Annual income per household in Devikulam varies from Rs 10,000- 60,000. In the colony however, annual income is generally between Rs 15,000- 30, 000. On average people are working between 11-20 days per month, with the exception of those who own their own farm whom generally work in excess of 20 days per month.  

The Devikulam community also receives revenue from the prawn industry in the area. Unfortunately this business has resulted in many negative environmental impacts due to the large amount of ground water and electricity being used, nutrient input into the marine environment, and contamination of ground water supply affecting local agricultural plots. The industry also creates the issue of government land being occupied by private business and encroaching on public land. Although prawning does create employment opportunities for the locals, a majority of the jobs are given to people that are outside the local area.

It is Pitchandikulam Forest’s aim to improve the employment prospects of the local citizen. To enable this to occur it is necessary to develop new industry. There is currently no overall redevelopment plan to bring about this transition in Devikulam. The most critical aspect of any solution will be the creation of a source of revenue from any businesses that are proposed. These proposals need to be eco-friendly and financially viable.

Household Assets

In the village most people own a plot of land generally between 2-5 acres. However in the colony, only 3 households own land, generally around ¼ acre. Approximately 75% of villagers own livestock (2-6 cows and 2-6 goats per household) while in the colony only about 25% own livestock (2-4 cows or 1-2 goats).  Private transport options are limited for all households in Devikulam, in the village around 15 of 48 houses own bicycle and 11 own a motorbike. In the colony 5 of 22 houses own a bicycle and 3 own a motorbike. Almost all households in the village have a TV and mobile phone, in the colony ownership rates of these items are around 50%.

Additional Resources

Maps of the Region
Small Enterprise Options Assessment
INNOVATIONS REPORT extract - Water Innovations (see section 'Additional Innovative Options for Consideration')
INNOVATIONS REPORT extract - Energy Innovations (see section 'Vocational Training')