The long chain of backwaters extending along the central and southern
parts of the Kerala State provides rich prawn fishing grounds, where fishing
is carried out practically all the year round. The fishery is not confined to
the backwaters only, but extends into the extensive networks of canals
connected with them and also to the paddy fields bordering the' Vembanad
Kayal' at about the middle of the chain. Though reliable statistics are
y~t lacking there is little doubt that the annual production may amount to
several' thousands of tons
