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This book examines the agrarian distress and livelihood crisis in Kuttanad, the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. As a below-sea-level wetland region, Kuttanad's agriculture faces severe challenges. Using primary data, the study provides an in-depth analysis of land ownership, cultivation methods, productivity, and net farm income. It also examines employment conditions and livelihood outcomes, with a focus on agricultural labourers. The research highlights how flooding during the Virippu season disrupts farming, leading to reduced income for farmers and fewer employment days for laborers. It reveals extreme levels of inequalities in land ownership, with most labour households lacking access to agricultural land. The study also shows that high costs of paddy cultivation, single cropping, crop failures and low revenue per acre result in lower net farm income. Significant disparities in income and employment between cultivator and labour households are observed. Cultivator households with larger land holdings have historically invested in business ventures and their children's education, leading to higher average incomes compared to labour households. The study concludes that addressing the specific challenges in Kuttanad, including asset distribution, production processes, and employment conditions, is crucial for developing effective policies. Enhancing households' entitlements through targeted policies is essential for improving overall livelihood security in the region.