Shops and business establishments in most places remained closed and buses were also off the roads. However, some private vehicles, including two-wheelers and cars, were seen plying.
Police said government, banks and other offices functioned with thin attendance as public transport was badly hit in many parts of the state.
The hartal was called by pro-LDF Farmers Unions taking up issues connected with farmers and also to protest the 'anti-farmer policy' of the state and Centre.
While a vehicle strike was called by Transport Workers Organisations to protest the increase in the premium amount of third party insurance, a Coastal strike was called by Kerala Fisheries Co-ordination committee demanding withdrawal of the Meenakumari commission report on deep sea fishing holding that recommendations would be harmful to traditional fishermen of the state.