Meppayur
Grama panchayat

Geography and Population Characteristics

Our panchayat is located roughly in the central part of Kozhikode district, about 10 km east of the coastal region. It lies between the latitudes 11.50665° N and 11.55880° N, and the longitudes 75.67900° E and 75.70964° E.

Boundaries
North: Cheruvannur Panchayat and a small part of Nochad Panchayat
East: Nochad Panchayat, Arikulam Panchayat, and a small part of Keezhariyur Panchayat
West: Thurayur Panchayat

Based on its physical features, Meppayur can be classified into highlands, slopes, plains, marshy land, and small elevated regions.

Highlands

About 26% of the total land area, approximately 575.12 hectares, falls under this category. Areas included are Unnikkad, Kuluppamala, Ayimpadi, Pork Mala (Purakka Mala), Olorappara, Nidumbrakunnu, Chalilmeethal Kunnu, Koolithara Kunnu, Ayiriyot Kunnu, Kurudancheri Kunnu, Kottukunnu, Palora Kunnu, Parachaalil Kunnu, Karimpana Kunnu, Meethale Kunnath Kunnu, Puthooppatta Kunnu, Pulapra Kunnu, Mavattumala, Kalarikunnu, Kalladakunnu, Pullankode, Rarattukunnu, Dharmakunnu, Punnachaalil Kunnu, Puthukkudikandi, and Mayilad Thara Kunnu.

These areas experience soil erosion due to rainwater runoff. Since water drains away quickly, severe water scarcity is also common. Coconut cultivation is the major agricultural activity in these water-deficient regions, while cashew cultivation is comparatively limited.

Sloping Areas

These cover around 309.68 hectares, constituting nearly 14% of the panchayat area. The slopes are steeper in places like Kaluppa, Unnikkad, and Olorappara. Laterite soil and gravelly soil are commonly found here. Coconut and banana are the main crops cultivated. Since rainwater seeps into the ground, water availability is generally moderate.

Plains

Approximately 929 hectares, or about 42% of the panchayat area, fall under this category. In fact, almost all flatlands in the panchayat are paddy fields. The soil here is fertile and nutrient-rich, making it suitable for paddy cultivation. Water is abundantly available in these areas.

Marshy Land

Marshy land is very limited in the panchayat and is mainly found around the Karuvod Chira region. These areas have clay-rich soil and abundant water availability. Since water remains stagnant throughout the year, they are highly suitable for fish farming. This region includes Pandivayal, which may be regarded as one of the major paddy-producing areas of Central Malabar.

The remaining areas consist of plateau-like regions on hilltops, water-flow regions along hill slopes, and small elevated areas.

Geographical Area of Meppayur Grama Panchayat

Kozhukkallur Village – Land Area

Meppayur Village – Land Area

Total land area: 2337.4324

(Reference: Secondary data collection)

Topographical Table:

Zones / Regions

Population

According to the 2011 Census, the population of our Panchayat is 27,929, consisting of 13,061 males and 14,868 females. There are 1,807 more females than males. In percentage terms, there are 113 females for every 100 males.

The Scheduled Caste population is 1,821, of which 936 are females and 885 are males. The Scheduled Tribe population is 58, including 27 males and 31 females.

The number of literate persons is 23,537, while 4,392 are illiterate. The literacy rate is 84.27%, which is below the state average of 94%.

According to the 2001 Census, the population was 26,747. Over a period of 10 years, the population increased by 1,182, which represents a growth of 1.004%. The projected population for 2021 is 29,163.

As per preliminary statistics conducted in March 2017, the total population of the Panchayat is 28,806, with 14,298 males and 14,505 females.