Kerala Agricultural Videos - Farmer Treading Water Wheel

Treading water wheel or 'chakram chavittal' is an agrarian activity essentially connected with the rural culture of Kerala. In traditional farming, farmers had to irrigate their paddy fields by treading a large wooden wheel over a small stream that could be directed to the field. The farmer used to sit on a wooden platform to tread the wheel. Mostly seen in regions like Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, this unique exercise has much to do with the cultural scenario of Kerala. The farmer used to sing folk songs while treading the wheel, thereby easing their effort.