AGRICULTURE

Rice , tapioca, coconut, arecnut, rubber, cashew and banana are the most important agricultural products of the district. The most important crop of the district is paddy. In certain areas three crops are raised (Viruppu, Mundakan and Punja) in a year. One of the striking features in regard to agricultural operations in the district is the cultivation. Extensive low-level lakes in Thrissur and Mukundpuram taluks are artificially reclaimed and bunded. Tapioca is the food of the poor and the middle class. The reason for the large scale consumption of tapioca is attribute to its high calorific value. Coconut is one of the important garden crops of the district. Among condiments and spices the arecnut tree stands first. Poor farmers with small holdings are the cultivators of the crop.

Fruits and Vegetables

Thrissur is a land of fruits. Perhaps no other district in the State grows a greater variety of fruits or has better facilities for horticulture. Plantain, jack fruits, mangoes, bread fruits, pineapples, etc., are grown in abundance in most parts of the district. Jack and mango trees are extensively grown in the gardens attached to houses. Cashewnut is cultivated in almost all parts of the district. The cultivation of rubber is popular.

Animal Husbandry

The district affords the best example to the fact that a damp climate is not conductive to the growth of cattle. The indigenous breed of cattle is weak and stunted in growth.

CULTURAL TRADITION

 The cultural tradition of the district goes back to very early days. There were great centers of learning and culture in the district in the ancient and early medieval periods. In the early centuries of the Christian era, Mathilakam was a great centre of learning and culture. Buddhist and Jai scholars of repute are said to have lived here and engaged themselves and teaching. At a later district in the ancient and early medieval periods. In the early days. There were great centres of learning and culture in the stage, under the Kullasekhara of the second Chera Empire, Mahodayapuram became famous as a great seat of learning and culture. The greatest literacy figure in the district was Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon. Though born in the Malabar region of Kerala. Vallathol made Cheruthuruthy his headquarters. He was not only a great poet but also a distinguished patron of the arts of Kerala, particularly Kathakali. He founded the Kerala Kalamandalam of Cheruthuruthy to disseminate the art and culture of Kerala.

LITERARY AND CULTURAL SOCIETIES

Kerala Sahitya Academy: The Kerala Sahitya Academy was established on August 15, 1956. It aims at the development of Malayalam Language and Literature and works in co-operation with the Kerala Sahitya Academy in New Delhi. There is a good library attached to the Academy consisting of two sections - the General Section and the Research section.

 Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy: It is also located in Thrissur town and was established on April 12, 1938. Its aim is to foster and develop Kerala Dance, Drama and Music and to promote through them the cultural unity of Kerala It works in close collaboration with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy in New Delhi for the enrichment of Indian culture. A regional theatre is constructed in Thrissur with all modern facilities.

 Kerala Lalithakala Academy: This was established in 1962. The aim of the Academy is to promote the culture, painting, plastic and visual arts.

School of Drama: This was established at Aranattukara in the year 1977. The institution conducts a three year course in Bachelor of Theatre Arts, Direction, Acting, Children's Theatre etc., are the subjects which are being taught here.

Institute of Fine Arts: This is located in Thrissur town and imparts training in Arts, printing, Sculpture, Engraving etc. Formerly this institution was known as Government Occupational Institute.

Kerala Kalamandalam: Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol. Its main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional art form of Kerala particularly the Kathakali.

FISHERIES

 Thrissur district has a long tradition in the field of fishing industry. If offers natural facilities for marine and inland fisheries. Its coast line is about 54 km. in length from Azhikode to Puthenkadappuram. Fishing is the main occupation of a large number of people. The main fishing castes are Valan, Aryan, Mukkuvan and Marakkan. Thrissur is one of the biggest fish market of Kerala. Fish in an important item in the diet of about 90% of the population. Oil sardines are used as manure. About 95% of the total catch is marketed within the district. The fishing industry thus makes a sizable contribution to the wealth of the district, and is the main source of income of a large section of the people inhabiting the coastal area. There are seven major fishing centres in the district viz., Azhikode, Nattika, Vadanappilli, Kadappuram, Blangad, Puthenkadappuram and Chettuva. The district have 18 coastal fisheries villages and three inland fisheries villages. There is a Shrimp hatchery at Azhikode.

FORESTS

A total area under forests in the district is 1006.72 sq. km. The forests of the district are mainly seen in the eastern portion of Talappilli, Thrissur and Mukundapuram taluks. They extend from the Shoroor river (Bharathapuzha) in the north to the Chalakudy river in the south. The Initial works of a wild life sanctuary has been started at Echhippara in the reservoir area of Chimmani dam. A tree park with facilities to conduct studies on trees and forest for public functioning at Kuthiran under social forestry is a unique instance in the state. This institution is the second one in the country.

Forest produce: The chief forest produce is timber. The principal local markets for timber are Cochin, Ernakulam and Thrissur. A large quantity of timber is transported to Coimbatore and Pollachi. High girth rosewood is exported to foreign countries. Other hard wood species which command a steady market are Irul, Pullamaruthu, Koramaruthu, Venga, Venteak, Pongu, Agil etc. Minor forest products are also abundant in the district. Mattaipal Karuvelampatta, Marotti, Poovam, Zamalporia, Kanjiram, Elavarngam are some of them. Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) at Peechi is an institution which conducts ecological and Forests Development Research studies. The Institute has a very good nursery of medical plants.

INDUSTRIES

Power loom Industry: There are six power loom factories in Co-operative sector in the district. They are at Kodungallur, Aviniseri, Adat, Machad, Nadathara and Manaloor. In addition to this, there is an institutional Power loom complex at Keecheri.

Textile Industry: There are six textile mills in the district. They are Alagappa Textiles at Alagappanagr, Kerala Lakshmi Mills at Pullazhi, Thrissur Cotton Mills at Nattika, Rajgopal Textiles at Athani, Sitaram Spinning and Weaving Mills, Thrissur and Vanaja Textiles at Kurichikkara. The mills namely the Cochin Hosieries Kuriachira, Thrissur and the Kunnath Textiles, Thrissur are engaged in the manufacture of hosiery products. The Madura Coasts at Koratty produce cotton sewing threads. The thread produced here is sold throughout the country. Sitaram Spinning and Weaving Mills the earliest textile mill in the district (1909) caught fire in December 1959. The mill started functioning later.

Tile Industry: The tile industry is the most important industry in the district employing the largest number of labourers. From a humble beginning early in this century, the industry had grown considerably in recent years. At present there are 160 tile factories in the district. Suitable clay required for the manufacture of tiles and bricks is found in Ollur, Pudukkad, Kaluvannor and Amballur which are the main centres of this industry.

Timber Industry: The timber industry of the district is of considerable importance. It had its beginnings in the first decade of this century when the first saw mill in the State was erected at Thrissur (1905) to convert teak and superior hard wood logs into slabs and other sizes. Most Chalakudy, which are the most important timber marts in the district. In Chalakudy, Ollur and Thrissur, there are many saw mills with up-to-date plant and machinery.

Soap Manufacture: Soap manufacture is one of the flourishing industries of the district. It is mainly located in Irinjalakuda and Thrissur town.

Canning Industry: This is an industry that has recently sprung up and has immense prospects for development. The first unit of the Canning industries (Cochin) was started in Thrissur in 1947. The other two units are Darlco Cannings and Kayee Plantation Cannings, both situated at Thrissur r. Pineapple slices, Pineapple juice, tit bits, jams, squashes, syrups, jellies and marmalades are some of the products of these units. A canning industrial unit is being established at Nadathara by the Thrissur Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Society and it is going on very successfully.

Diary Unit: There is a diary unit at Ramavarmapuram in the public sector.

Chemicals: There are five units engaged in the manufacturers of chemicals Pharmaceutical products like elixirs, syrups, vitamin tablets, transfusion bottles, etc. In addition, some of the units manufacture commercial products like ink, paints, and varnish.

Oil Mills: Oil Mills are found in all parts of the district. Coconut oil is the most important product of these Mills. For a long time, the extraction of oil from copra was a cottage industry. Oil is also extracted from lemon-grass, gingelly castor-seed, groundnut etc.

Printing: The printing industry is fairly well developed in the district. Modern methods and techniques in printing are available in the district.

Match Industry: Soft wood required in the manufacture of match sticks is obtained from the local forests. Veneers and splints are also made in the match factories

Cottage Industry: Handloom weaving is a premier cottage industry of the district. It was practiced mainly by hereditary weaving communities like the Challias, Chettiars, Mudalis and Mudaliars. Poomangalam and Aripalam in Mukundapuram taluk and Kuttamippli and Thiruvilwamal in Talappilli Taluk are well known weaving centres of the district.

Coir Industry: Coir manufacturing is one of the important cottage industries of the district. The kind of yarn produced in the district is known are Chittattukara, Kottapuram and Kodungallor. Superior varieties of the quality of yarn known as 'Parur Special' are also produced in these areas. Another variety of yarn manufactured in the district is the rope yarn and the main centres of production are Kandassankadavu and Manalur.

Curing of Arecanuts: Arecnuts have to be cured for the market. Arecanut preparation is a seasonal industry of some importance. In the taluks of Talappilli, Thrissur and Mukundapuram hundreds of men and women are engaged in this occupation form September to January.

Cashew Industry: Thrissur district was the largest producer of cashew nuts next only to Kollam district in the State.

Grass mat and basket manufacture: The industry is an ancient one and products of this industry are widely used in Kerala. Very beautiful mats, either plain of with excellent designs are made.

Beedi Making Units: There are three Beedi making units at Ancheri, Chavakkad and Vadanappilly which are run by primary Beedi Co-operative societies under central Kairali Beedi co-operatives of which the headquarters at Shornoor.

Leather Industry: The manufacture of chappals, shoes suit cases and hand bags out of leather is an important industry of the district. Tanned leather is mostly procured from outside the district. Work in leather is the hereditary occupation of the "Chakkilins" or "Tholkollans", who are scattered in all parts of the district. Thrissur is one of the most important centres of production of leather articles. The Foot Wear Service Centre at West Fort under the Ministry of Industries, Govt. of India imparts training in Shoemaking.

Engineering Workshops and Foundaries: Small smiths mending agricultural implements are found in rural areas. Repair shops have sprung up in towns. There are some umbrella manufacturing factories also in the district.

INDUSTRIAL ARTS (HANDICRAFTS)

Bell-metal Industry: Thrissur district is the largest producer of bell-metal articles in the State. The industry is monopolised by two castes - Moosaries and Kammalas. The main centres of production are Kadavallur, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur and Irinjalakuda. "Deepastambhams" and a few other articles are highly appreciated and there is a great demand for them in North India. A Bell Metal Workers Cooperative Society is successfully conducting large scale production of Bell Metal articles at Nadavaramba

Polishing of Imitation Stones: Thrissur, Ollur and Pudukkad are the chief centres of the industry. After being polished and processed the stones are exported to foreign countries. Now the imitation diamond manufacturing workers have been brought under a Central Cooperative Society called Diamond India, Thrissur

Wood Carving: Wood carving is an important handicraft of the district. Almost the entire carving is done by carpenters hailing from Viswakarma community. The wood carvers of Cherpu seven miles from Thrissur, are well known. The figure of elephants made in this place have a wide reputation. Carvings out of buffalo horn are also made here. The carving of Kathakali dance dolls is also a special feature of this district. With the increasing appreciation of the art of this district. With the increasing appreciation of the art of Kathakali, the demand for these carvings has also been increasing. Another important handi-craft is "Alavattam" (peak-cock feather fan) made at Kanimangalam in Thrissur.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE 

          Two of the Ashta Vaidyas in the field of Ayurveda viz; Kuttenchery Manu Moose and Thalikkattu Moose belong to Thrissur district. The western system of medicine was introduced here in the early part of the 19th century.  There are 122 Allopathy hospitals and 14 Ayurveda hospitals and a homeopathy hospital in the district. Ayurvedic and Homoeo systems of treatments are very popular in the district. Nature cure methods attract a large section of the people to Thrissur district. Prakruthi Chikkilsa Sahakaraana Sanitorium has been established to propagate Nature Cure among public. An Auyrveda Regional Research Institute under Government of India is functioning at Cheruthuruthy.

COMMUNICATIONS

The district is covered by a net work of main roads and village roads. National Highway No. 17 - the highway runs from Puduponnal to Kottayam in the district. National Highway No. 47 in Thrissur district consists of the following two roads.

1.Thrissur-Waniampara road. This road starts from Thrissur town and runs eastward to the district limit at Vaniampara and enters Palakkad district via Alathur.

2. Thrissur-Chalakudy Road. It starts from Thrissur town and goes southward to the district limit at Anjal and entres Ernakulam district via Angamali enroute to Thiruvananthapuram.

Railways: The district is well served by railways. The broad gauge running north to south enters the district near Vallathol Nagar Station and crosses the district for about 69 kms. touching Vettikkattiri, Mullurkkanchery, Mulankunnathukavu, Poonkunnam, Thrissur, Ollur, Pudukkad, Nellai, Irinjalakuda, Chalakudy, Koratty, Angamaly and Karukutty.

Waterway: Before the construction of roads in the latter half of the 19th century inland traffic in the district was through backwaters and rivers. The main canals of the district are: (1) Ponnani Canal in Chavakkad taluk, (2) Canoli Canal in Mukundapuram taluk, and (3) Shanmugham Canal in Mukundapuram taluk, and (4) Puthenthode in Thrissur taluk. These canals form the main arteries of water communications.