ATTAPPADY AATTUKOMB AMARA (Attappady Dolichos Bean)

Attappady Aattukombu Avara (Dolichos bean) is a local cultivar of Attappady area in Palakkad district, Kerala mainly cultivated by tribal farmers. It is known as "Amara" in Malayalam and "Avara" in tribal dialect. The name "Aattukombu avara" is derived from its distinct and unusual shape similar to "Goat's horn" ("Aattu" in Malayalam means goat and "Kombu" means horn). The name indicates its indigenous origin and association with local tribal people. Attappady area, lying on Western Ghats of Kerala, is coming under Nilgiri Biosphere. Tribals are the major occupants of the area. The area is known for many crop species and animal breeds that are apparently endemic to the region.

Dolichos bean also known as lablab bean is known as "Amara" in Malayalam and "Avara" in tribal language. Attappady is spread over three grama panchayaths namely Agali, Pudur and Sholayur. Aattukombu avara is cultivated in an approximate area of 30 ha in Attappady. It has more coverage in Pudur grama panchayath in villages like Moolakombu, Swarnagadha and Pudur.