AGRICULTURE CHAPTER

IV

Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood for more than 40 percent of the
population of this State. Agriculture provides wage goods required by the non-agricultural
sectors and raw materials for the industrial sector. Ratcheting up the growth of the economy
would be possible provided the agriculture sector fares well on a sustained basis. A good
performance of the agriculture
sector is viewed as an effective Vision 2023 – Strategic Initiatives in Agriculture
instrument for attainment of
Tamil Nadu envisages achieving 5.0 percent
inclusive economic growth and of annual average growth rate in Agricultural sector.
poverty reduction. The State To achieve this, key initiatives to be taken under
achieved an all-time high record Vision 2023 are:
production of 10.1 million tonnes
Promote market driven agricultural produce
of foodgrains during 2011-12
Accelerating Innovation and Extension
and received the Krishi Karman
Mechanism
Award from the Government of

Functional consolidation of land holdings
India. Tamil Nadu performed
well ahead of other major States
Emphasis on mechanization
in terms of productivity of
Improving Productivity
important crops. It ranked
Assurance of timely irrigation
second in the productivity of
Creating a robust supply chain
paddy next only to Punjab and

Skill development in agriculture
came first in the yield of maize
and oilseeds. The productivity of The investment proposed the agriculture
sector is Rs.40,000 Crores – Rs.16000 Crore for
sugarcane in Tamil Nadu was improving water resources, Rs.13000 Crore for agro-
almost double of what was processing and value addition and Rs.11000 Crore for
obtained at the national level. other projects (cold storages, grain storage
The better agricultural complexes, perishable air cargo complex, gamma
irradiation facility and terminal market complexes.
accomplishments are the result
of continued technological gains Source: Vision 2023, Government of Tamil Nadu.
and appropriate policies and timely
intervention measures of the Government.

Unfortunately, the strong growth performance of 2011-12 has been interrupted due to
the severe drought conditions caused by a large rainfall deficit and the non-release of water
in the Cauvery by Karnataka during 2012-13. Growth in the agricultural sector has taken a
big dip in 2012-13. The State Government has stepped in with the special relief packages for
samba paddy to aid farmers in distress and to ensure an early recovery of agricultural
production and productivity.

During the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), the State Department of Agriculture’s focus
will continue to be on stabilizing foodgrain production so as to ensure food and nutrition
security. It is planned to achieve the rate of growth of 5.0 percent in agricultural output.
Further, it aims to increase the production to 170 lakh tonnes in the case of foodgrains, 5 lakh
bales of cotton, 545 lakh tonnes of cane and 17 lakh tonnes of oilseeds. The task is highly
challenging. Therefore, the focus is to improve the yield rate per unit of land/ water. Apart
50
from that, for attaining higher levels of production, considerable importance is accorded to
crop-specific strategies. New strategies are being evolved to break yield barriers, to utilize
inputs more efficiently and diversify to more sustainable and higher value crops.

In the above backdrop, the performance of the agricultural sector during 2011-12 and
2012-13 is fully reviewed using the data available. For 2013-14, the prospects of the
agricultural sector are based on the data available, forecasts and projections made and target
set.

4.1. Agriculture Prospects – 2013-14

The overall crop prospects in the State during 2013 – 14 are encouraging. During the
current year the onset of the South-West Monsoon was in time. The temporal spread of
rainfall during this monsoon was by and large favourable for raising crops. It was ‘excess’ in
June and August and ‘normal’ in September. The spatial spread indicated that it was ‘normal’
in 17 districts, ‘excess’ in 7 districts, ‘deficit’ in 6 districts and ‘scanty’ in 2 districts. Thus, the
spatial spread benefited 73.0 percent of the total geographical area of the State spread over
24 districts. The total quantum of rainfall received from this season at 325.4 mm was rated
as ‘normal’. The temporal and spatial
Table No. 4.1 Rainfall in Tamil Nadu (mm) spread of rainfall during this monsoon was
South-
North-East also helpful in recharging the groundwater
Year West Annual
Monsoon considerably. Apart from this, the monsoon
Monsoon
brought copious inflows into the State’s
Normal 321.3 440.4 921.0
2009-10 317.0 482.6 937.8 surface flow sources and built up adequate
2010-11 383.6 605.2 1165.1 storages. In tune with the requirements of
2011-12 300.5 540.8 937.1 the farmers, the release of water from the
2012-13 245.9 370.5 743.1 main reservoir viz., Mettur dam since 2rd
2013-14 325.4 294.3 -- August 2013 was regulated in a systematic
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, manner with adequate quantity. The
Chennai - 6 release of water from other important
reservoirs was also in accordance with the requirements of the farmers.

The irrigation scenario in the State during the current year 2013 – 14 has turned out to
be encouraging. This resulted in an increase in the area under irrigated cropping in the
State. Besides, the Government made fool-proof arrangements for the timely and adequate
supply of all necessary inputs through Agricultural Extension Centres. The Co-operative
Societies were geared up to provide adequate crop loans to the eligible farmers. The State
Government provided uninterrupted 12 hours three phase power supply to the delta districts
and 8 hours for non-delta districts for encouraging the farmers to take up agricultural activities
with sub-surface water. All these efforts of the State were aimed to motivate the farmers and
to redouble their efforts to take up agricultural activities with more vigour during the current
year.
The intervention of North-East Monsoon during the year was in time. However, the
rainfall received was in deficit during the entire season. It was (-) 29.6 percent in October
2013, (-) 33.7 percent in November 2013 and (-) 39.3 percent in December 2013. During this
monsoon period, as against the normal level of 440.4 mm, the actual rainfall received in the
State was 294.3 mm (-33.2%). The spatial spread also was uneven. The uneven distribution
of rainfall over time and space during the North-East Monsoon would have some adverse
impact on the standing crops and crops grown mainly under rainfed conditions. The carry-
over storages in the surface flow sources that came from the South-West Monsoon were
utilized. As a result, it is hoped to bring in more area under cultivation, area irrigated and to
51
reduce current fallows to a considerable extent as compared to the level of 2012-13. All these
factors would be conducive for the agricultural sector to recover from the impact of drought
witnessed in the previous year 2012-13 during 2013-14. Ultimately, the overall cropping
scenario in the State for the year is turning out to be encouraging.

With the favourable interplay of the above factors, the State forecasts to attain higher
crop production during 2013-14 as compared to 2012-13. This would be possible with an
increase in the coverage of area under cropping as well as the yield of crops. As per Second
Advance Estimates for 2013-14 the expected rate of increase in the production of foodgrains
would be from 56.05 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 to 85.46 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 (53.0%),
groundnut from 7.85 lakh tonnes to 9.90 lakh tonnes (26.0%), cotton from 2.55 lakh bales to
3.18 lakh bales (25.0%) and sugarcane from 340.14 lakh tonnes to 375.46 lakh tonnes
(10.0%). Ultimately the contribution of the agricultural sector to Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP) is anticipated to register a higher order growth 8.22 per cent during the
current year 2013-14 as against the 5.0 percent contemplated during the 12th Five Year Plan.

4.2. Agricultural Performance during 2011 – 12 and 2012 – 13:

The agricultural sector witnessed a severe drought impacting the area, yield and
production of all important crops in the State during 2012 – 13. This brought about a steep
Table No. 4.2 Trends in contribution of fall of 13.04 percent in the Gross State
Agriculture Sector to GSDP (Rs. lakhs) Domestic Product (GSDP) of the
Year GSDP Primary Sector Agriculture agricultural sub sector between 2011 –
2008-09 32179336 3079411 2509330 12 and 2012 - 13. As a result, the
2009-10 35663186 3279727 2673838 relative share of the sub sector in the
2010-11 40341573 3516987 2879460
primary sector declined from 83.0
2011-12 RE 43323803 3872767 3197598
2012-13 QE 44794362 3477727 2780764 percent in 2011 – 12 to 80.0 percent in
RE- Revised Estimates, QE- Quick Estimates 2012 – 13 and in overall State’s GSDP
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, from 7.4 percent to 6.2 percent.
Chennai -6
The ‘deficit rainfall’ during the pre-monsoon period viz., January 2012 – May 2012 (-)
39.9 percent, South-West Monsoon period June 2012 – September 2012 (-)24 percent and
the ‘uneven temporal spread’ of the northeast monsoon (October +42.0%, November (-)
54.0% & December (-) 62.0%), coupled with non-release of Cauvery water for agricultural
purposes by Karnataka State and depletion of groundwater level had its adverse impact on
‘surface’ and ‘sub-surface’ water level during the year 2012 – 13. As against the total storage
capacity of 198.384 tmcft in 15 major irrigation reservoirs in the State, the live storage by the
end of December 2012 was only 31.28 tmcft (16%). The storage in these reservoirs in 2011
was comfortably high at 68.0 percent and the live storage was 134.70 tmcft. The average
water levels in 1,261 observation wells maintained by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and
Table No. 4.3 Level of Depletion of Ground Water
(Difference between 2012 and 2013)
Higher than the State Average (Districts Lower than the State Average(Districts recording)
recording)
Ariyalur (5.9), Coimbatore (7.9), Dindigul (3.3), Cuddalore (1.6), Dharmapuri (0.9), Kancheepuram (1.6),
Erode (5.1), Madurai (7.5), Perambalur (6.7), Kanniyakumari (1.3), Karur (0.7), Krishnagiri (0.5),
Pudukkottai (2.3), Salem (4.3), Theni (7.7), Nagapattinam (1.9), Namakkal (0.3), Ramanadhapuram
Tirunelveli (5.3), Tiruppur (4.0), Thiruvarur (3.9), (1.4), Sivagangai (1.0), Thanjavur (0.6), Tuticorin (0.9)
Tiruchirappalli (5.6) and Virudhunagar (2.3). and Thiruvannamalai (1.4).
Note: 1. The ground water levels in three districts Viz., Vellore,Thiuvallur and Viluppuram did not
experience any fall.
2. Figures in brackets indicate the fall in the level of ground water in meters.
Source: Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chennai – 5.
52
Drainage (TWAD) Board throughout the State, experienced a fall in ground water table. The
average fall in the ground water level in the State between January 2012 and 2013 was from
5.37 meters to 7.34 meters i.e., by 1.97 meters.

As against the normal rainfall of 921.0 mm, the total quantum of rainfall received
during the year 2012 –13 was 743.1 mm. Eventhough it was rated as normal, the continuous
long dry spell in the State, had its adverse impact on ‘surface’ and ‘sub-surface’ water caused
‘drought’ affecting agricultural activities in the State.

The adverse effect of the Table No. 4.4 Land use pattern in Tamil Nadu
(Lakh Hectares)
drought got reflected in the
Category 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
reduction in gross area sown by 1. Fallows
12.7 percent, gross area irrigated (Current + Others) 25.95 25.61 30.04

by 15.0 percent and increase in 2. Area sown:

fallows by 17.3 percent in 2012 – 13 a. Net 49.54 49.86 45.44
b. Gross 57.53 58.90 51.40
as compared to 2011 – 12. The
3. Area Irrigated:
cropping intensity declined from a. Net 29.12 29.64 26.43
118.1 percent in 2011-12 to 113.1 b. Gross 33.48 35.19 29.91
percent in 2012-13 and that of Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai-6.
irrigation intensity from 119.0 percent to 113.2 percent.

Based on the report of the High Level Committee and taking into account the
prevailing drought situation, in February 2013, the Government declared 31 districts of Tamil
Nadu except Chennai as drought-affected and sanctioned various relief measures separately
for delta and non-delta districts. Apart from this, a Drought Memorandum seeking assistance
of Rs.19, 665.13 crore was sent to Government of India.

4. 3. Land Holdings:

A combination of factors such as increasing

industrialization, urbanization, housing activities and
infrastructure development triggered the conversion of
agricultural land into non agricultural uses. This has
resulted in a decline of the area under cultivation. The
scope for expansion of the area available for cultivation is
also very limited. The pattern of land ownership imposes
limitations on the models that can be adopted for
agricultural development. As per the latest Agricultural
Census 2010-11, marginal and small holdings of less
than 2 hectares accounted for 92.0 percent of the total
holdings and 61.0 percent of the total operated area. They in turn are unsuitable for
conventional technology and machinery use to boost agricultural production. This led to a
process of marginalization of small and marginal farmers and casualization of agricultural
labourers. To derive the best results and to empower marginal and small farmers, they may
be motivated to form farmers’ groups so as to get all the technical inputs in time and to
ensure judicious use of various scarce resources.

The total number of operational land holdings in the State declined from 81.93 lakh in
2005 – 06 to 81.18 lakh in 2010 – 11 (0.9%). This implies that the farmers may have given
up their cultivation because of the lucrative price offered for land on account of fast
urbanization. This was more prevalent in the vicinity of urban areas. Among the districts, the
number of land holdings was the lowest in The Nilgiris (64,369) and the highest in
53
Villuppuram (6,15,543). Tamil Nadu’s share of the total all-India operational holdings as per
the 2010-11 Agricultural Census at 137.8 million was 5.9 percent. With continuous
fragmentation of small (1 to 2 hectares), medium (2 to 10 hectares) and large (10 hectares
Table No.4.5 Distribution of Number of Holdings and Area Operated
in Tamil Nadu as per Agriculture Census
Number of holdings Area operated Average size of holdings
Category (lakhs) (lakh. ha.) (ha.)
2005-06 2010-11 2005-06 2010-11 2005-06 2010-11
Marginal (< 1 hectare) 62.28 62.66 22.86 22.92 0.37 0.37
Small (1 to 2 hectare) 12.34 11.82 17.21 16.44 1.39 1.39
Medium ( 2 to 10 hectare) 7.12 6.53 24.26 22.03 3.41 3.37
Big (> 10 hectare) 0.19 0.17 3.91 3.50 20.58 20.59
Total 81.93 81.18 68.24 64.88 0.83 0.80
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai – 6.

and above) holdings, the number of marginal holdings increased in the State from 62.28 lakh
to 62.66 lakh (0.6%) between the two Censuses. The share of marginal and small holdings in
total holdings in the State rose from 91.1 percent to 91.7 percent. It was 85 percent at the all-
India level.
Table No.4.6 Average size of Land Holding by Districts
The total area operated also District above the State District below the State
declined from 68.24 lakh hectares in level level
1. Tiruppur 2.00 1. Kancheepuram 0.66
2005 – 06 to 64.88 lakh hectares in
2. Coimbatore 1.81 2.Thiruvallur 0.59
2010 – 11 (4.9%). Of the total area 3. Karur 1.42 3.Vellore 0.65
operated in all India at 159.2 million 4. Erode 1.35 4. Thiruvannamalai 0.68
hectares, Tamil Nadu accounted for 4 5. The Nilgiris 1.25 5. Villupuram 0.67
6. Thoothukudi 1.22 6.Cuddalore 0.72
7. Dindigul 1.06 7. Thanjavur 0.72
8. Theni 1.00 8. Dharmapuri 0.77
9 .Virudhunagar 0.93 9. Tiruchirappalli 0.78
10. Thiruvarur 0.92 10. Perambalur 0.75
11. Namakkal 0.91 11. Pudukkottai 0.59
12. Nagapattinam 0.86 12. Ramanadhapuram 0.72
13. Salem 0.84 13. Sivagangai 0.62
14. Madurai 0.58
15. Tirunelveli 0.72
16. Kanniyakumari 0.22
17. Krishnagiri 0.80
18. Ariyalur 0.58
State 0.80
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics,
Chennai - 6

percent. The average size of land holding in the State further reduced from 0.83 hectare in
2005-06 to 0.80 hectare in 2010-11. The average size of land holding at the all-India level
was comparatively higher at 1.16 hectare.

Among the districts as per the Agriculture Census 2010-11, the average size of land
holding was in the range of 0.22 hectare in Kanniyakumari to 2.00 hectare in Tiruppur. Out of
31 districts, in as many as 18 districts the average size of holdings was below the State’s
average (0.80 hectare). The small size of land holdings inhibits investment in productivity-
enhancing measures and makes many agricultural holdings sub-optimal.

The average size of large holdings at 20.58 hectares in Tamil Nadu was higher than
the all-India average size 17.38 hectares. In Tamil Nadu, the average size of marginal
54
holdings at 0.37 hectare, small holdings at 1.39 hectare and medium holdings at 3.37 hectare
were somewhat smaller than that of all-India at 0.38 hectare, 1.42 hectare and 3.60 hectare
respectively.

Of the total land holdings in State, institutional holdings accounted for a meagre share
of 0.24 percent and in the total operated area its share was 2.05 percent. Among the districts,
the number of institutional holdings ranged between 63 in Salem and 2,583 in
Kanniyakumari.

4.4. Performance of Principal Crops:

Achieving food security by increasing agricultural production forms the core of

agricultural development strategy in the State. This policy assumes greater significance with
the increasing population and accelerating economic growth. A number of programmes have
been launched for increasing production of agricultural commodities in the State at different
points of time. Thanks to the favourable temporal and spatial spread of rainfall and adequate
availability of water both in surface and sub-surface flow for irrigation, the production of
principal crops in the State witnessed increase in 2011-12 as compared to the previous year
2010-11. The increase in production was mainly adduced to the increase in yield rate of
crops rather than that of area. In 2012-13, the situation was entirely different. The prolonged
dry spell, the deficit rainfall during South-West Monsoon, the uneven temporal spread during
the North-East Monsoon and the decline in water availability in surface and sub-surface
sources for irrigation produced adverse effect on cropped area and area irrigated. On the
other hand, there was an increase in fallows caused by the wide spread drought. The area,
yield and production of all crops in the State were affected during 2012-13. The fall in yield
was more pronounced than that of area.
Table No.4.7 Performance of Principal Crops in Tamil Nadu
#
Crops 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
A Y P A Y P A Y P
Paddy 19.04 3918 74.59 14.93 2712 40.50 18.49 3097 57.26
Millets 6.38 3643 23.24 6.42 2092 13.42 9.10 2747 25.00
Pulses 6.67 554 3.69 5.11 415 2.13 7.73 414 3.20
Foodgrains 32.09 3164 101.52 26.46 2118 56.05 35.32 2420 85.46
@
Sugarcane 3.46 113 389.75 3.48 98 340.14 3.58 105 375.46
Cotton* 1.36 481 3.82 1.33 326 2.55 1.50 361 3.18
Oilseeds 4.49 2481 11.14 3.90 2092 8.16 4.61 2245 10.35
Note: A – Area in lakh hectares; Y – Yield in kgs per hectare; P - Production in lakh tonnes * in terms of lint; @ - in
terms of cane # - Forecast estimates.
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai – 6

During 2011-12, there was an all-time high production of foodgrains at 101.52 lakh
tonnes. However, a wide spread drought during 2012-13 triggered a steep decline in
foodgrains production to 56.05 lakh tonnes (45.0%). The fall
in the production of all constituents of foodgrains viz., rice,
pulses and millets caused the overall decline in foodgrains
production during 2012-13. Among them the fall in rice
production was much pronounced. In the case of production
of rice, it fell from 74.59 lakh tonnes in 2011-12 to 40.50 lakh
tonnes in 2012-13 (46.0%). It was mainly due to the fall in
yield rate of rice rather than the drop in area. The area under
paddy declined by 22.0 percent and that of yield by 31.0
percent between these two years. The per hectare yield rate

55
of paddy (in terms of rice) at 3,918 kgs during the year 2011-12 was the best. In 2012-13 it
declined to 2,712 kgs. However, the yield rate of the crop also varied within the State as
well as among the seasons significantly. Across the State the yield rate of paddy ranged
between 588 kgs per hectare in Ramanathapuram and 4728 kgs per hectare in
kanniyakumari districts in 2012-13. Among the seasons, the normal yield (average for the 5
years ending 2011-12) obtained at 3,799 kgs per hectare in Kar/Kuruvai/Sornavari season
was the highest as compared to 2,913 kgs in
Samba/Thaladi/Pisanam and 3,552 kgs in
Navarai/Kodai. In the light of limited scope for
expanding area under cultivation and under irrigation,
the only way to meet the growing food requirement, is to
narrow down the vast gap in the yield rate among the
districts as well as between the seasons. This calls for
the need for renewed research effort to narrow down the
yield gap. In 2013-14, it is anticipated to cover 18.49
lakh hectares under paddy and to produce 57.26 lakh
tonnes of rice.

Coarse cereals comprise crops like jowar, cumbu, ragi, maize and other small millets
(korra , varagu, samai) which have traditionally been the main components of the food
basket. These crops are being grown predominantly in rainfed conditions. Changing
consumption pattern, non-adoption of the recommended doses of inputs due to high risk
under rainfed agro-climatic conditions, non-availability of high yielding variety quality seeds
particularly of small millets, lack of assured procurement and poor resource base of the
farmers who largely grow these crops are the limiting factors in increasing the area and
production of coarse cereals. The total millets production in the State dwindled from 23.24
lakh tonnes in 2011-12 to 13.42 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 (42.3%). Eventhough the area
increased by 0.6 percent between these two years, the fall in yield rate by 43.0 percent
caused on overall decline in millets production. With the increase in the coverage to 9.10 lakh
hectares during 2013-14, the total production of coarse cereals is likely to go up to 25.0 lakh
tonnes.

Being rich in protein, pulses not only form a vital part of the human diet, but also play
a crucial role in balancing the dietary proteins. The major pulse crops grown are green gram
(24.6%), black gram (46.2%) and horse gram (10.3%) which accounted for 81.1 percent of
the total area under pulses in the State in 2011-12. Cultivation of pulses is mostly (89.4% of
the area) under rainfed condition on marginal lands with less fertile soil by resource-poor
farmers. The wide spread drought also affected the area, yield and production of pulses
during 2012-13. The decline in area was 23.4 percent
and in yield was 25.1 percent. This caused a fall in
pulses production in the State from 3.69 lakh tonnes in
2011-12 to 2.13 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 (42.3%). The
average yield rate of pulses in the State even at its peak
at 554 kgs per hectare during 2011-12 was short of the
all India average 694 kgs per hectare. The total area
under pulses is likely to go up to 7.73 lakh hectares in
2013-14 and the anticipated production is 3.20 lakh
tonnes. Non- availability of high yielding varieties, low
Seed Replacement Rate (SRR), high susceptibility to
pests are the primary reasons for low yield of pulses. To
56
attain higher levels in yield rates focus needs expansion in area under micro irrigation, more
use of micro nutrients, adoption of improved production practices and evolving better yielding
seeds.
Sugarcane is the most important cash crop in the
State which is widely cultivated in irrigated conditions.
Despite drought, the crop’s coverage did not suffer during
2012-13. In fact, it increased from 3.46 lakh hectares in
2011-12 to 3.48 lakh hectares in 2012-13 (0.6%). Fixing of
a higher State Advised Price (SAP) by the State
Government at Rs.2,350/- per tonne linked to 9.5 percent
recovery rate in 2012-13 as compared to that of
Government of India’s Statutory Minimum Price of Rs.
1,700/- per tonne and the increase in area registered with
sugar mills under the crop from 2.75 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 2.81 lakh hectares in 2012-
13 were responsible for enlarging the crop’s coverage. Contrary to this trend, the yield rate
fell from 113 tonnes per hectare in 2011-12 to 98 tonnes per hectare in 2012-13. The fall in
yield rate was responsible for the decline in cane production from 389.75 lakh tonnes in
2011-12 to 340.14 lakh tonnes in 2012-13 (12.7%). The recovery rate of cane also declined
from 9.35 to 8.68 percent between these two years. This underlines the need for evolving
new varieties having more sugar content. The cane production during 2013-14 is likely to be
of the order of 375.5 lakh tonnes. The State Government has increased the State Advised
Price to Rs.2,650/- per tonne this year.

Highly as volatile cotton prices and high cost of pest

control are the two major factors that limit the expansion of
area under cotton in the State. The area under this crop
marginally fell from 1.36 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 1.33
lakh hectares in 2012-13 (2.2%) and the yield rate (lint) from
481 kgs to 326 kgs (32.2%). They triggered the decline in
production from 3.82 lakh bales to 2.55 lakh bales (33.2%)
of cotton in the State. During 2013-14 the coverage under
the crop would be 1.50 lakh hectares and that of production
3.18 lakh bales. Developing cotton varieties suitable for
increasing yield, especially, under rainfed conditions, continuous follow up of pest monitoring
and advisory services are some of the issues meriting serious attention to increase the
production and productivity of cotton in the State.

Oilseeds cultivation is undertaken across the State

on marginal lands, dependent on monsoons with low level
of input usage. Of the total area cultivated under oilseeds
edible oilseeds accounted for 99.0 percent and rest being
non-edible oilseeds. The prominent oilseeds raised were
groundnut, gingelly, castor and sunflower. The temporal
and spatial spread of rainfall during the year 2012-13 was
not beneficial to raising of oilseeds. Consequently, the total
area cultivated under these crops and the average yield
rate declined from 4.49 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 3.90
lakh hectares in 2012-13 (13.1%) and from 2,481 kgs to
2,092 kgs (15.7%) per hectare respectively. This brought about a fall in the overall production
of oilseeds in the State from 11.14 lakh tonnes to 8.16 lakh tonnes (26.8%) between these
57
two years. During 2013-14 the production would be of the order of 10.35 lakh tonnes. The
following measures are needed to improve the area, yield and production of oilseeds: i)
minimizing the wide inter-district variations in the yield level by adopting suitable package of
practices and ii) evolving hybrids/high yielding varieties having more oil content but at the
same time weathering the natural calamities and pest and diseases attack.

4.5 Horticulture:

In the context of increasing population, swelling urbanization and a favourable shift in

consumption of fruits and vegetables, there is a need for covering larger areas under
horticulture crops. Horticulture crops in Tamil Nadu account for nearly 17 percent of the total
cropped area. There has been a steady increase in the area covered under horticulture crops
in the recent past. The total area covered under horticulture crops in the State moved up
from 10.01 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 10.81 lakh hectares in 2012-13 (8.0%) and would
further rise to 11.46 lakh hectares in 2013-14 (6.0%). Fruits, vegetables, spices and
condiments and plantation crops together claimed a share of 96.0 percent of the total area
covered under horticultural crops. The overall yield rate exhibited a steady improvement. The
average yield rate of horticultural crops per hectare improved from 15.24 tonnes in 2011-12
to 16.09 tonnes in 2012-13 (5.6%) and would further improve to 16.69 tonnes in 2013-14
(3.7%). The increase in area and yield rate helped to augment the total production of
horticultural crops from 152.62 lakh tonnes in 2011-12 to 173.99 lakh tonnes in 2012-13
(14.0%) and further to 191.31 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 (10.0%).

Table No.4.8 Performance of Horticulture Crops in Tamil Nadu

#
Crops 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
A Y P A Y P A Y P
Fruits 2.87 20.48 58.77 3.10 21.62 67.00 3.29 22.43 73.70
Vegetables 2.54 27.25 69.27 2.74 28.77 78.96 2.90 29.95 86.79
Spices &
1.65 6.11 10.05 1.78 6.44 11.46 1.88 6.69 12.61
Condiments
Plantation Crops 2.55 4.12 10.50 2.75 4.34 11.97 2.92 4.51 13.16
Medicinal and
0.14 9.20 1.29 0.15 9.73 1.48 0.16 9.91 1.62
aromatic crops
Flowers 0.26 10.35 2.74 0.29 10.92 3.12 0.31 11.12 3.43
Total Crops 10.01 15.24 152.62 10.81 16.09 173.99 11.46 16.69 191.31
Note: A – Area in lakh hectares; Y – Yield in tonne per hectare; P - Production in lakh tonnes
# - Forecast estimates. Source: Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops,Chennai-5

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the State

schemes viz., the Integrated Horticulture Development
Schemes (IHDS) (Rs.28.59 crore), Integrated Tribal
Development Programmes (ITDP) (Rs.2.0 crore), Western
Ghats Development Programme (WGDP) and Hill Area
Development Programme (HADP) (Rs. 12.40 crore) and
National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) (Rs.
182.45 crore) were implemented. The Centrally-Sponsored
Schemes like National Horticulture Mission (NHM) (Rs.
479.01 crore), National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI)
(Rs. 256.01 crore), National Bamboo Mission (NBM) (Rs.
3.73 crore) and National Mission on Medicinal Plants (NMMP) (Rs. 27.30 crore) were also in
operation. The State also implemented the World Bank assisted IAMWARM project (Rs. 72.0
crore) for expansion of area with high value horticultural crops in 61 sub-basins in Tamil
Nadu. Under precision farming, an extent of 22,294 hectares was covered and 1,238
58
clusters were established during 2008-11. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, an
area of 91,130 hectares was brought under micro irrigation. All these schemes have gone a
long way towards enhancing the production of horticultural crops.

Even though many schemes are being implemented for the promotion of horticulture
crops, yet the following impediments are still at work: i) the perishable nature limits the extent
of market and transaction opportunities; ii) prices are highly volatile due to seasonal
conditions; iii) inadequate and timely availability of pedigree planting materials; iv) period of
waiting is significantly long for those seeking quick return and v) lack of technical guidance for
increasing the productivity per unit of area due to weak extension machinery.

4.6 Trend in Overall Agricultural Production:

Index of Agricultural Production is the summary measure which shows the pulse of
the performance in agricultural sector. In view of the fact that the performance of the
agricultural sector displays wide variations from year to year, the trends in area, yield and
production are analyzed during the 10th (2002-03 to 2006-07) and 11th (2007-08 to 2011-12)
Five Year Plan periods.

The overall agricultural production in the State had gone up at an annual average
growth rate of 7.29 percent during the 10th Five Year plan period (2002-2007).This
accomplishment is mainly due to the increase in yield rate of crops. There was an overall
decline in area by 0.42 percent in this period. During this Plan period, the production of food
crops fared better than non-food crops. Turning to 11th Five Year Plan period (2007-2012),
the overall agricultural production in the State declined by an annual average rate of 2.37
Table No. 4.9 : Index number of Area, Yield and Production – percent. The fall both in area
Annual Average Growth Rate (%) and yield rate of crops was
th th
10 Plan period 11 Plan period mainly responsible for this
Crops A Y P A Y P decline during the 11th Plan
Food 0.17 5.11 7.94 (-)5.76 (-)2.65 (-)3.08
period. As between food and
Non-food (-)2.31 6.15 5.96 (-)1.67 0.56 0.33
All (-)0.42 5.24 7.29 (-)0.35 (-)1.96 (-)2.37 non-food crops, even though the
Source: Compiled and Computed from the data received from the latter registered a growth of 0.33
Department of Economics and Statistics – Chennai-6. percent, the decline in the
production of food crops by an annual average 3.08 percent engendered the fall in the overall
agricultural production in the State. In the case of food crops, both area and yield rate
witnessed negative growth in this Plan period. In respect of non-food crops, only the area
under the crops registered a fall and the increase in yield rate of crops compensated the fall
in area and contributed to the overall increase in production.

4.7 Yield Gap:

Table No. 4.10 Yield Gap in Select Crops
Potential Average Yield Yield
The yield gap is also a major issue
Crop Yield (Kgs/ha) Gap
that contributes to agricultural stagnation in (Kgs/ha.) (2011-12) (Kgs/ha.)
the State. There is considerable yield gap Paddy 6000 3918 2082
between on-farm trials and yield actually Red Gram 1500 870 630
realized by the farmers. Except paddy, Black Gram 1270 580 690
there is significant yield gap in other crops. Sugarcane 146000 113000 33000
The yield gap is around 50.0 percent of the Source: 1. Agriculture Development Strategy for Tamil
potential yield. This is because the Nadu – 2004, State Planning Commission ,
adoption of agronomic practices has not Chennai – 5. (page-22)
2. Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai - 6
been uniform and widespread. Agricultural

59
strategy has to focus attention towards bridging the gap between the potential yield and the
actual yield realized.
Table No. 4.11 Estimated ‘Requirement’ and
4.8 Self-Reliance in Production: ‘Production’ of select Agricultural Commodities
(As per II advanced Estimate)
The ICMR had estimated the per capita Estimated Anticipated
per day nutritional requirement of rice at 370 Commodities Requirement in a Production*
grams and pulses at 70 grams. Based on year (Lakh tonnes) (Lakh tonnes)
2013-14
these norms the total requirement of these
Rice 92.63 57.26
agricultural commodities for 2013-14 was Pulses 10.01 3.20
worked out. A comparison was made with the Source: * - Department of Economics and Statistics,
total estimated requirement and production. Chennai -6
There was a shortfall between the requirement and the estimated production level of rice and
pulses. The gap was particularly significant in respect of pulses and illustrates that self
sufficiency in food production in Tamil Nadu is some way off.

4.9 Loss of Agricultural Production due to Natural calamities:

During 2011-12, a cyclone caused extensive damages to paddy, millets, pulses,

sugarcane, groundnut and coconut in the districts of Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur,
Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Dharmapuri and Thiruvannamalai
during the fag end of the North-East Monsoon period. The total area affected was 1.88 lakh
hectares and the total value of production loss amounted to Rs. 968.73 crore. The relief
measures were sanctioned to the level of Rs.174.24 crore benefiting 2.91 lakh farmers.

Coupled with the prolonged dry Table No. 4.12 Loss of Agriculture Production due to
Natural calamities and Relief measures provided
spell since January 2012, the deficit
2011-12 2012-13
rainfall during the South-West Monsoon Natural Calamities
(Cyclone) (Drought)
and the uneven temporal and spatial Area Affected (Lakh hectares)
spread of rainfall during the North-East Food Crop 1.65 8.68
Monsoon caused widespread drought in Non-food crop 0.23 1.33
Value of Crop loss (Rs. Crores)
the State during 2012-13. The State Food Crop 667.39 2770.48
Government declared 31 districts of Tamil Non-food Crop 301.34 704.98
Nadu except Chennai as drought affected Relief measures sanctioned 174.24 1143.26
(Rs. crores)
and sanctioned various relief measures
Farmers benefited (No. Lakhs )
to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers. In Food Crop 2.55 18.07
overall terms the total area and production Non- food crop 0.36 2.26
affected by drought in the State during the Area benefited (Lakh hectares)
year was estimated at 10.01 lakh hectares Food Crop 1.65 5.09
Non-food crop 0.23 1.33
and 32.42 lakh tonnes respectively. The Source: Department of Agriculture, Chennai-5.
total value of loss of crop production was
estimated at Rs. 3475.45 crore in the State. On an average, the loss of crop production per
hectare worked out to Rs.34,719. In the case of food crops, the total area affected by drought
was 8.68 lakh hectares (86.7%) and production was 20.90 lakh tonnes (64.5%). The total
estimated value of loss of foodcrop production was Rs. 2770 crore (79.7%). The total area
affected under non food crops was 1.33 lakh hectares (13.3%). The quantum of production
under non-food crops affected by drought in the State was 11.52 lakh tonnes (35.5%) and the
estimated loss of value was Rs.705 crore (20.3%). The State had sanctioned relief measures
to the tune of Rs. 1,143 crore benefiting 20.33 lakh farmers. Of the total farmers benefited,
those raising food crops accounted for 89.0 percent and the rest of the 11.0 percent were
non-food crops cultivators.

60
4.10 Input Management:

Crop production is essentially a function of the interplay of natural resources such as

land, water, soil, biodiversity with the plant genetic material i.e. use of quality seeds and use
of other agricultural inputs like chemical fertilizers, organic manure, pesticides, farm
machinery and equipment, labour, credit and insurance, pricing policy and marketing
infrastructure. This section highlights the present status regarding the availability and access
of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and credit which determine agricultural
productivity and production.

4.10.1 Irrigation:

The annual per capita water availability in India is about 2200m3 whereas it is only
about 750 m3 in Tamil Nadu. There are about 81 reservoirs, 41,127 tanks and 18.21 lakh
wells in the State. The total storage capacity of
Table No. 4.13 Water realization in Tamil Nadu
(tmcft) 15 major reservoirs in the State is 198.38 tmcft.
Name of Actual Against which water realization stood at 172.26
2011-12 2012-13
Reservoirs Capacity tmcft in 2011-12 (86.8%). Due to wide spread
Mettur 93470 87232 46897 drought, water realization in the reservoirs in
Bhavanisagar 32800 20942 6377
the State was restricted to 89.8 tmcft in 2012-
Periyar 10570 6269 3361
Sathanur 7321 6875 2342 13 (45.3%). The decline in ground water table
Vaigai 6091 5986 3460 across the State is a matter of serious concern.
Manimuthar 5511 3657 3098 As a result, out of 386 blocks in the State, 139
Papanasam 5500 5304 2105 blocks are categorized as over-exploited, 33
Pechiparai 4450 4082 1256 blocks as critical, 67 blocks as semi-critical, 11
Amravathy 4047 4042 2049
blocks as poor quality and the balance 136
Perunchani 2890 2048 755
Krishnagiri 1666 1580 1452 blocks as safe.
Sholayar 5052 5298 5117
The total net area irrigated in the State
Parambikulam 13408 13392 7391
Aliyar 3864 3857 2592 by all sources of irrigation declined from 29.64
Thirumurthy 1744 1693 1555 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 26.43 lakh hectares
Total 198384 172257 89807 in 2012-13 (10.8%). There was a fall in gross
Source: Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, area irrigated from 35.19 lakh hectares to 29.91
Chennai – 5.
lakh hectares (15.0%). Canals accounted for
22.0 percent, tanks for 16.0 percent and wells for 62.0 percent. Eventhough the drought had
its adverse effect on net area irrigated by different sources, it was more pronounced in the
Table No. 4.14 Net Area Irrigated case of surface flow sources.
(lakh hectares) It was 20.4 percent in the
Sources 2011-12 2012-13* case of tanks and 20.9
Canals 7.46 5.90
percent in respect of canals.
Tanks 5.28 4.20
The fall in net area irrigated
Wells 16.83 16.26
by wells during 2012-13 was
Others 0.07 0.07
3.4 percent as compared to
Total 29.64 26.43
2011-12. The irrigation
Note - * Provisional,
Source: Department of
intensity in the State declined
Economics and Statistics – from 119.0 percent in 2011-12
Chennai-6. to 113.2 percent in 2012-13.

Water demand is increasing rapidly due to population growth, urbanization and

changing lifestyle. Owing to increasing demand of water for domestic, industrial and energy
uses, there is a severe constraint in the availability of water for agriculture. Climate change

61
might complicate further the existing temporal and spatial variation in availability of water.
Extreme events like floods and droughts are occurring more frequently and affecting
livelihood and food security. Low water use efficiency and inadequate maintenance of
irrigation systems are some of the major problems that confront the management of water
resources in the State. There is a need to promote participatory management of aquifers to
ensure sustainable and equitable use of water. Promotion of micro-irrigation techniques,
alignment of cropping patterns with the availability of water and greater involvement and
empowerment of Water Users’ Associations in the command areas could lead to
improvement in water use efficiency.

With a view to improve the service delivery of the irrigation system and to increase the
productivity with effective integrated water resources management in a sub-basin frame work,
a multi-sector project Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and
Management Project (IAMWARM) with financial assistance of World Bank is being
implemented in the State . Between 2007-08 and 2013-14, project rehabilitation works in
4,549 tanks, 655 anaicuts and 8,018 k.m length of supply channels had been completed to
benefit 6.69 lakh hectares with an expenditure of Rs.1,284 crores. With the financial
assistance of the Central and State Governments (50:50), the Command Area Development
Programme is currently being implemented in the State in Vaigai reservoir, Kodadanar
reservoir, Varadhamanadhi reservoir, Kalingarayan anaicut, Pelandurai anaicut, Cheyyur
anaicut, Ellis anaicut and Manimutharu nadhi system. During 2012-13, on-farm development
works were carried out to benefit 18,262 hectares at a cost of Rs.27.95 crore and Rotational
Water Supply to benefit 18,267 hectares at a cost of Rs.0.60 crore. In 2013-14, on-farm
development works are to be taken up to benefit an extent of area of 4,778 hectares at a total
cost of Rs.38.83 crore under this programme. Rotational Water Supply works are also to be
taken up to benefit 3,213 hectares at a cost of Rs.0.78 crores.

Rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation structures is taken up under the

National Agriculture Development Programme. For 2012-13, out of 14 works accorded
sanction at a cost of Rs. 9.21 crore, 7 works were completed. The 13th Finance Commission
had recommended a grant of Rs. 200 crores for restoration of 674 traditional water bodies
over a period of four years since 2011-12. During 2012-13, 175 works were taken up at a
cost Rs. 50 crore. The Government has taken initiatives to replenish the ground water
potential through rain water harvesting and recharge structures. Under Master Plan Artificial
Recharge Scheme, the State had sanctioned Rs.550 crores towards restoring the depleted
aquifers through construction of check dams across rivers, streams, percolation ponds and
recharge shafts. Under the scheme, as against the target of 523 works, 429 works were
completed at a total cost of Rs.199.66 crore up to 2012-13. The remaining 94 works at a cost
of Rs. 65.45 crore are being taken up during the year 2013-14. Under various schemes, 82
percolation ponds at a cost of Rs.4.55 crore and farm ponds numbering 320 were created at
a cost of Rs.2.05 crore.

4.10.2 Seeds:

Quality seeds and planting materials are key

agricultural inputs, which determine the productivity of
crops. It is estimated that the quality of seed accounts
for 20-25 percent of productivity. As a result of the
adverse weather conditions, the quantum of supply of
seeds in the State declined from 99,390 tonnes in 2011-
12 to 73,033 tonnes in 2012-13. In 2013-14 ( upto Feb
62
2014), the supply of seeds is 84,530 tonnes. However, as against the total estimated
requirements, there was a persistent short fall in the supply of seeds by the organized sector
(public and private) in the State. The short fall was conspicuous in respect of pulses, oil
seeds and millets. The organized sector had met only 43 to 45 percent of the total seed
requirements in the State. A larger portion of seed requirement i.e. about 57 to 55 percent
continues to be met from the unorganized sector i.e., mainly farm-saved seeds. Of the total
quantum of seeds distributed by the organized sector during 2012-13, paddy alone
accounted for 78.0 percent. As against the stipulated seed replacement rate of 33.0 percent
in respect of paddy, pulses and oilseeds and 50.0 percent for millets and cotton, the actual
rate fell short of in the case of pulses and oilseeds.

There is a need to develop better varieties/hybrids/planting materials, which will be

able to manifest itself even under challenging agro-climatic conditions. The provision of
subsidy for seeds for newer and older varieties needs to be rationalized. The time is right to
prepare a long term Seed Plan for the State keeping in mind the agro-climatic conditions,
farmers’ requirements, SRR of the crops, State’s crop calendar and any contingent situations
that may arise in order to ensure availability of quality seed at the right time to the farmers. In
the absence of such a seed plan, farmers are forced to fall back on ‘farm-saved’ seeds or
Truthfully Labelled Seeds. Steps need to be taken to prepare a Seed Plan for 5 years. Seed
Replacement needs the serious attention it deserves.
Table No. 4.15 Distribution of Seeds in Organized Sector (Tonnes)
2011-12 2012-13 20013-14 (Upto Feb’ 2014)
Crop Require Distri- SRR Require Distri- SRR Require Distri- SRR
- ment bution % --ment bution % -ment bution %
Paddy 110000 75250 68 78920 56716 72 100000 65000 65
Millets 12153 6693 55 10637 5398 51 11733 8806 75
Pulses 24000 4800 20 20800 4768 38 20800 4373 29
Oilseeds 80612 12092 15 108186 5601 11 105638 5862 13
Cotton 555 555 100 550 550 100 555 489 88
Total 227320 99390 219093 73033 238726 84530
Source: Department of Agriculture, Chennai – 5.

4.10.3 Integrated Nutrient Management:

Chemical fertilizers are the immediate source of nutrients in the soils. In the State, a
total number of 11,780 retail outlets effect fertilizer distribution of which private retail outlets
accounted for 63.0 percent and the rest being co-operative outlets. With the decline in
cropped area as well as irrigated area consequent to the widespread drought, the total
Table No. 4.16 Consumption of Chemical Fertilizers consumption of nitrogenous (N),
in Tamil Nadu (lakh tonnes) phosphatic (P), potassic (K) fertilizers in
Nutrients 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14* the State declined to 13.74 lakh tonnes in
Nitrogenous 10.40 9.28 9.03
2012-13 from 18.13 lakh tonnes in 2011-
Phosphorus 3.57 2.29 2.30
Potash 4.16 2.17 2.55 12. Eventhough, the three constituents
Total 18.13 13.74 13.88 witnessed a shortfall during 2012-13, it was
Per hectare (Kgs) 438 235 308 much sharper in phosphatic (P) and
Note: *- Anticipated potassic (K). In 2013-14, with the normal
Source: Department of Agriculture, Chennai – 5.
monsoon and increase in cropped as well
as irrigated area, the total fertilizer consumption in the State would likely to go up to 13.88
lakh tonnes.

The consumption of NPK in the State is found to be in the ratio of 4:1:1 in 2012-13 as
against the conventionally accepted ratio of 4:2:1 indicating imbalances in the application of
three chemical nutrients. Continuation of subsidy on urea while decontrolling phosphate and
63
potash fertilizers further adds to the inadvertent promotion of imbalance in fertilizer use on the
one hand and excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizer on
the other hand, leading to environmental pollution and
lowering of profits to the farmers. The crop- wise
consumption revealed that paddy alone accounted for
more than 50 percent of the total fertilizer consumption in
the State.

Table No. 4. 17 : Per Hectare Fertilizer Consumption (NPK)

in 2012-13 (Kgs/ha) Provisional
District above the State level District below the State level
1. Madurai 669 1. Thiruvarur 224
2. Tiruchirappalli 659 2. Dindigul 220
3. Erode 519 3. Sivagangai 214
The average per hectare
4. Salem 514 4. Karur 196 fertilizer consumption in the State
5. Theni 498 5. Cuddalore 177 declined from 438 kgs in 2011-12
6. Kancheepuram 366 6. Nagapattinam 175 to 235 kgs in 2012-13. In 2013-
7. Vellore 356 7. Ariyalur 166 14, it is expected to be of the
8. Tirunelveli 335 8. Perambalur 157
order of 308 kgs. The all-India
9. Coimbatore 330 9. Thoothukudi 112
10.Pudukkottai 321 10. Dharmapuri 98
average consumption of fertilizers
11.Thiruvallur 313 11. Ramanadhapuram 88 remained stable at 144 kgs per
12.Thanjavur 272 12. Kanniyakumari 76 ha in 2011-12 when compared to
13.Thiruvannamalai 251 13. Namakkal 66 the previous year. Very high
14. Villuppuram 246 14. The Nilgiris 55 variability was observed in
15.Virudhunagar 237 15. Krishnagiri 55
fertilizer consumption among the
16. Tiruppur 7
districts. Across the State, it was
State 235
the highest in Madurai (669 Kgs)
Source: Compiled and Computed from the data obtained from and lowest in Tiruppur (7 kg)
Department of Agriculture – Chennai-5
districts in 2012-13.

The major constraints for adopting rational crop nutrition schedules are (a) high cost
of straight fertilizers of nutrients other than NPK and Zinc; (b) lack of strong policy support
from the Government of India for balanced fertilizer use and (c) lack of awareness among the
farmers.

The Government is strictly monitoring the quality of the fertilizers through 14 Fertilizer
Control Laboratories. During 2012-13, a total of 16,540 samples were tested of which 436
samples were found sub-standard. It was programmed to analyze 17,500 fertilizer samples
during 2013-14. Table No. 4.18 Distribution of Micro Nutrients
(tonnes)
Micro nutrients are best applied through
Crop 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
fortification of major fertilizers. They have a
Paddy 736.4 950.2 906.7
significant impact on plant growth and life. A
Groundnut 0.06 91.6 28.7
total quantity of 1,626 tonnes of micro nutrients
Millets 258.7 61.3 45.5
were produced in 2012-13 and 1,392 tonnes
Cotton 1.00 61.6 11.8
were supplied. In 2013-14, it was programmed
Coconut 85.3 147.7 121.9
to produce 1,600 tonnes and to distribute entire
Pulses 13.5 46.9 20.5
quantity. The crop -wise micro nutrient
Others 758.9 32.5 6.8
distribution during 2012-13 reveals that paddy
Total 1853.9 1391.8 1141.8
accounted for 68.3 percent followed by coconut
Source: Department of Agriculture, Chennai – 5.
(10.6%), groundnut (6.6%) cotton and millets
(4.4% each) and pulses (3.4%) and the rest being other crops.
64
 A total quantity of 2,380 tonnes of bio-fertilizers was produced from the 15 centres out
of which 2,180 tonnes were distributed to cover 4.88 lakh hectares benefitting 3.45 lakh
farmers in 2012-13. In 2013-14, it is proposed to produce and distribute 3,850 tonnes of bio-
fertilizers in the State.

Comprehensive and authentic database on micro nutrient/bio- fertilizer production and

distribution in the State by public and private sectors needs to be built up for the benefit of all
the stakeholders. With a view to ensure availability of true to type of micro nutrient/bio
fertilizers to farmers; to curb sale of spurious and poor quality produce; to protect the rights of
farmers; and to increase private participation in production and distribution, quality control
needs to be enforced with utmost urgency on par with international standards.

4.10.4 Integrated Pest Management:

The protection of crops from predations of pests and diseases is a sine qua non for
higher agricultural productivity, increased farm incomes and enhanced food security for the
nation. Anecdotal evidence revealed that there is a production loss up to 30 percent due to
incursion of pests and diseases. With the primary objective of reducing the use of harmful
pesticides and integrating as many non-chemical methods, Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) has been implemented in a cost-effective manner since late 1980s in the State. It
emphasizes promoting eco-friendly, bio-pesticide technology at the field level. Consequent to
the implementation of IPM Technology and the fall in area cultivated, the technical grade
material consumption in the State which was 10,926 tonnes in 1984-85 drastically come
down to 2,261 tonnes in 2011-12 and further to 2,207 tonnes in 2012-13. Between these two
years it is noteworthy that use of chemical pesticides in the State declined from 385 grams
per hectare to 375 grams per hectare. Compared to the global average of 500 grams of
technical grade pesticide per hectare it was on the low side. The chemical pesticides are
sold through 11,093 retail outlets of which 89.0 percent were in the private sector, 8.0 percent
in the Government sector and 3.0 percent co-operatives. Consequent to the decline in area
cropped due to widespread drought, the total area treated under various plant protection
measures had come down to 35.72 lakh hectares in 2012-13 as against 38.30 lakh hectares
in the previous year. Of the total area treated, paddy accounted for 42.0 percent followed by
millets (19.0%), pulses (15.0%), sugarcane and groundnut (10.0% each) and cotton (4.0%).

Certain special initiatives that can be taken up for the effective implementation of IPM
so as to produce safe and clean agricultural produce in a cost effective manner include: (a)
training farmers on IPM Technology and educating them about the ill effects of indiscriminate
use of pesticides; (b) encouraging the private sector to produce bio-pesticides; (c) regulating
the sale of chemical pesticides and preventing misuse; (d) developing indigenous and cost
effective pheromones; and (e) ensuring availability of critical inputs in right time.

4.10.5 Crop Insurance: Table No. 4.19 Crop Insurance

Particulars 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
With a view to insulate the Farmers Covered (Lakhs) 4.89 10.83 0.09
farmers against the loss occurred due Sum Insured (Rs. Crores) 1686 3402 0.46
Area Covered
to natural calamities, large scale 7.03 12.35 0.15
(lakh Hectares)
outbreak of pests and diseases and Claims Paid (Rs Crores) 40 744 --
to ensure credit worthiness for the Farmers Benefitted (Lakhs) 0.42 5.57 --
ensuing season, the Agricultural Source: Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited
Insurance Company of India Limited Chennai-1
implements the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme in the State. The unit of insurance
under the scheme is block depending on the area under the crop notified. Under the
65
scheme, the total number of farmers insured their crops in the State increased from 4.89
lakhs in 2011-12 to 10.83 lakhs in 2012-13. The total area insured under the scheme had
gone up from 7.03 lakh hectares in 2011-12 to 12.35 lakh hectares in 2012-13 with the total
sum insured at Rs.1,686 crores and Rs.3,402 crores respectively. In 2013-14 (up to
October), 0.15 lakh hectares were insured for a sum Rs.46 crores. Of the total area covered,
paddy, banana, black gram, sugarcane and maize together accounted for more than 90
percent in both the years. Claims to the tune of Rs.40 crore were paid to benefit 0.42 lakh
farmers in 2011-12 and Rs. 744 crore to 5.57 lakh farmers in 2012-13. Research to evolve
location specific insurance products and enhancing insurance education for the small and
marginal farmers is the need of the hour.

The National Agricultural Insurance Scheme stipulates the premium level of 2.0
percent to 3.5 percent of the sum insured. Of this, the State has extended 50 percent
premium subsidy enabling the farmers only to pay 1.0 percent to 1.75 percent of the sum
insured. The Government of India has introduced a new National Crop Insurance Scheme
(NCIS) with two components “Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme” and
“Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme” from Rabi 2013-14 onwards by withdrawing the
National Agricultural Insurance Scheme. Under the new Modified National Agricultural
Insurance Scheme which is implemented in all districts from Rabi 2013-14, the premium
payable by the farmers increases to 3.75 percent. With a view to encourage the farmers to
adopt the agricultural crop insurance on a large scale so as to enable them to mitigate the
crop losses and continue their agricultural operations in a sustainable manner, the State
Government has made a strong plea to the Central Government to equally share the
increased commitment on premium for the farmers over and above 2.0 percent of the sum
insured.
Table No. 4.20 Disbursement of Institutional Crop Loan
4.10.6 Institutional Credit: (Rs crores)
2012-13 2013-14
2011-12
Timely availability of credit Crops Target Achieve (Target)
at reasonable rates especially to 1. Crop Loan
small and marginal farmers is Paddy 8735 13456 15029 9602
Millets 32 152 20 209
crucial for agricultural growth.
Oil Seeds 3074 3859 5116 6649
Public sector banks, co-operative
Pulses 178 299 127 413
banks and regional rural banks Cotton 413 601 405 763
play an important role in meeting Tobacco 87 39 5 46
the entire crop loans needs in the Turmeric 2839 2745 3716 3786
State. Of the total credit disbursed Sugarcane 3047 4358 4529 5485
Horticulture crops* 16027 14323 23044 21704
by the above institutions, the share
Total 34432 39832 51991 48657
of the farm sector increased from 2. Total Farm Sector 37366 52326 58289 65647
53.7 percent in 2011-12 to 60.3 Total Institutional credit 69553 91325 96661 115076
percent in 2012-13. The quantum Note : * includes plantation
of crop loan disbursed in the State Source: State Level Bankers’ Committee, IOB, Chennai - 2
by these institutions steadily increased from Rs. 34,432 crore in 2011-12 to Rs. 51,991 crore
in 2012-13 (51.0%). It was planned to disburse crop loans to the tune of Rs. 48,657 crores in
2013-14. Of the total crop loan disbursed, paddy, plantation and horticulture crops together
accounted for a sizable share of about 72.0 percent in both the years. During 2012-13 in
respect of paddy, oil seeds, turmeric, sugarcane and plantation and horticulture crops the
disbursement of crop credit exceeded the respective targets.

A meagre 4.0 percent of the total institutional credit for the farm sector had been
utilized for infrastructure development viz., minor irrigation (Rs. 859 crore), land development
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(Rs.404 crore), farm mechanization (Rs.1,119 crore) and storage/market yard (Rs. 190 crore)
in 2012-13.
Vast extent of agricultural lands is given on lease for small and marginal
farmers/agricultural labourers due to migration of land owners, labour problems and other
reasons. These tenant farmers are not able to secure credit from banks and have to depend
on informal sources of credit for taking up cultivation. There is need for bringing them into
banking fold and facilitate provision of credit for farming operations.

4.10.7 Agriculture Marketing:

Owing to a number of factors such as inadequate storage facilities, lack of quick and
economical means of transportation, perishability of farm produce, poor withholding capacity
of the farmers and urgent credit needs, the unorganized sector comprising wholesale
merchants, commission agents and other intermediaries continue to dominate the sphere of
Table No. 4.21 Value of Agricultural Produce agricultural marketing in the State. With the
Transacted through Regulated Markets (Rs. Crores) aim to create infrastructure and to regulate
Commodities 2012-13 2013-14 *
agricultural produce trade activities, the State
Cereals 1670.50 653.24
Pulses 117.20 55.71 Government enacted the Tamil Nadu
Other food crops 156.99 36.51 Agricultural Marketing (Regulation) Act 1987
Others 162.97 124.89 and Rules 1991 replacing the earlier Act of
Non food crops 1008.20 637.90
1959. At present, 21 Marketing Committees
Total 3115.88 1508.27
Note: * Upto Oct’2013
are functioning at the district level. Under their
Source: Department of Agricultural Marketing and control, 277 Regulated Markets are functioning
Agri-business, Chennai-32. in the State. Among them 66.0 percent
transacted business of 5,000 metric tonnes per annum, 18.0 percent 2,000 to 5,000 mt of
produce and 16.0 percent less than 2,000 mt per annum. The total number of licensed
traders engaged in the transaction of agricultural produce in the regulated markets increased
from 27,620 in 2011-12 to 28,253 in 2012-13. Due to the wide spread drought, the total
quantum of agricultural produce transacted in the regulated markets fell from 18.97 lakh
tonnes in 2011-12 to 17.43 lakh tonnes in 2012-13. With the prevailing favourable
agricultural scenario in the State during 2013-14, it was programmed to transact 27.30 lakh
tonnes. The total value of agricultural commodities transacted by these regulated markets
during 2012-13 was Rs.3, 116 crore, of which food crops accounted for a major share of 68.0
percent and the remaining being non-food crops. Upto the end of October 2013, the total
value of transactions stood at Rs. 1,508 crore.

Grading of agricultural commodities has three main purposes, namely, (a) to promote
common trade language and avoid the need for physical checking and handling at many
points; (b) to protect consumers by ensuring quality of product purchases; and (c) to protect
the producer from exploitation by ensuring prices commensurate to the quality of produce.
Total quantum of agricultural produce graded in the State increased from 2.59 lakh tonnes in
2011-12 to 3.0 lakh tonnes in 2012-13.

Market information is an important tool in the agricultural marketing system. 189

regulated markets upload prevailing agricultural produce price and arrivals on an electronic
portal on a daily basis. Apart from this, 179 farmers’ markets had also disseminated price
details. To minimize the loss after harvest during drying, cleaning and winnowing, 1,359
village level drying yards were constructed at a total cost of Rs. 27.35 crore. Four Agri
Export Zones were established in the PPP mode at Hosur, Ooty, Nilakottai and Panruti to
facilitate value addition for agricultural products and to minimize post-harvest losses. It
ensures steady and better price realization to the farming community as well as availability
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of commodities in processed form to the consumers throughout the year. The total
turnover of these zones during 2012-13 was Rs. 3.01 crore.

In the co-operative fold, 110 Primary Co- Table No. 4.22 Value of Agricultural Produce
sold by Marketing Co-operative Societies
operative Marketing Societies transacted (Rs. Crores)
agricultural produce of a total value of Rs.552 2013-14
Commodities 2012-13
crore in 2012-13. Up to October 2013, the total ( upto Oct 2013)
value of transaction was Rs. 163 crore. Of the Foodgrains 20.14 3.35
Cotton 241.95 30.01
total value of transaction cotton alone accounted Spices 91.19 17.75
for a sizable share of 44.0 percent. Oilseeds 73.78 11.34
Chilies 4.49 0.74
Food and agricultural commodity prices are Others 120.35 99.40
primarily determined by domestic demand and Total 551.90 162.59
supply factors. Consequently, there is a wide gap Source: Registrar of Co-operative Marketing,
Chennai - 10.
between the prices received by the farmers and
the prices paid by the consumer. At times, the farmers are not able to receive a price to cover
the cost of production while the consumers are paying an abnormally high price for the same
commodity. This is a major concern for the policy makers. High food inflation with an
inadequate supply response, aggravated by logistics and market-related constraints are other
areas requiring attention. Further, to provide a higher share of consumer prices to the
farmers, there is a need to reduce the multiple layers of intermediaries by providing
alternative marketing channels. Creation of scientific storages nearer to the farms is
necessary so as to avoid wastage and produce deterioration. Enlarging the scope of
provision of institutional credit to the farmers through various instruments like pledge
financing, so that they are not compelled to sell the produce at distress price is also
necessary. Supply of market information and extension services to advise farmers on
marketing, capacity-building in marketing; development of marketing linkages between
farmers, agribusinesses and large retailers may be developed through cooperatives, contract
farming or associations of stakeholders representing different interest groups like farmers,
input suppliers, agricultural produce processers, etc.

4.11. Highlights of Major Schemes Implemented in the State:

The State has taken all efforts to increase agricultural production, enhance
productivity and explore the untapped potential. The Central Government also supplements
the efforts of the State through implementation of Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector
Schemes.

Development of wasteland/degraded land and improving rainfed farming is crucial

towards attaining self sufficiency in crop production. Towards achieving this goal, various
area and location specific programmes viz., Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP),
Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP), Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP), National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA)
are being implemented in the State over a period of time on watershed basis with the
participatory approach. During 2012-13, the total area treated under these programmes was
1.47 lakh hectares at a cost of Rs. 186.13 crores.

With a view to improve the yield rate and production of rice, System of Rice
Intensification (SRI) is being implemented in the State. During 2012-13, it had adopted the
whole village concept in 1,719 villages covering an area of 1.68 lakh hectares. During
2013-14, the scheme would be implemented in 2,000 villages covering an area of 1.90 lakh
hectares.
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 To enhance the production of rice and pulses on mission mode approach, the
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is implemented since 2007-08. Under the scheme
Rs.22.87 crores was spent during 2012-13 towards promotion of rice in five districts viz.,
Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Sivagangai, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram. Under this
programme, it was contemplated to improve pulses production in all districts except Chennai
and The Nilgiris. Various activities were taken up at a cost of Rs. 14.76 crores.

With the aim to increase productivity of oilseeds, pulses, oil palm and maize, the
Integrated Scheme for Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM) is implemented since
2004-05 with region specific strategies. From 2010-11 onwards, since pulses have been
integrated with the NFSM, ISOPOM scheme was implemented only for oilseeds, oil palm
and maize at a cost of Rs.18.51 crores during 2012-13.

Under National Mission on Micro Irrigation, instillation of sprinkler irrigation for

sugarcane, cotton, maize, pulses, groundnut and horticultural crops is taken up. During
2012-13 this scheme has been implemented by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development
Agency (TANHODA) at a cost of Rs. 135.34 crores benefiting an area of 26,538 hectares. It
has been proposed to cover 47,800 hectare at an outlay of Rs. 372.84 crores in 2013-14.
Under the World Bank aided programme IAMWARM, crop demonstration, distribution of
agricultural implements, farmers training and capacity building are being taken up at an
outlay of Rs. 98.00 crore. The total expenditure incurred upto 2012-13 was Rs. 81.27 crores.

With the success in achieving an increase of 30 – 50 percent in productivity due to

adoption of high yielding/hybrid seeds, micro irrigation and fertigation in vegetables, turmeric,
banana, precision farming is successfully implemented from 2008 onwards. During 2012-13,
at 50 percent subsidy, it was implemented at a cost of Rs. 9.25 crore benefiting 4,961
hectares.

For promotion of horticulture in rainfed area, Rainfed Area Development Programme

(RADP) was implemented in 2,655 acres at a cost of Rs. 8.79 crores during 2012-13.

Towards augmenting mechanization in agriculture under National Agricultural

Development Programme (NADP) subsidy assistance to individual farmers for purchasing
agricultural machinery so as to take up timely sowing, transplanting, weeding, plant protection
and harvesting and to overcome the acute farm workers scarcity during 2012-13 total subsidy
assistance of Rs. 73.45 crore was provided to the farmers for purchasing 41,328 machineries
for agriculture purposes.

4.12. A Way Forward:

To meet the growing demand for agricultural produce and to ensure food security, the
following measures are proposed:-

For achieving a farm output growth of 5 percent, incremental productivity gains and
technology diffusion are imperative.

Agriculture growth targeted in the Five Year Plans has often not been achieved due to
high degree of uncertainty of the monsoon. In this context, dry land farming, crop
diversification and conservation of water through precision farming and waste land
development are indispensible.

For nutritional security, special thrust is required for higher production and productivity
level in pulses, oilseeds and fruits and vegetables.

Sufficient public sector investment in agriculture sector is central to agricultural planning.

69

Ground water is still perceived as individual property and is exploited inequitably and
without any consideration to sustainability. It leads to over exploitation. This needs to be
properly regulated.
Strategies of Tamil Nadu Vision 2023

Existing resource infrastructure is not The Tamil Nadu Vision 2023 has a three pronged strategies
being properly maintained resulting in for improving productivity and thereby sustaining growth in
under utilization of available resources. agriculture production so as to meet the growing demand for
the agricultural produce and as well as ensuring food security.
Maintenance of existing water bodies The Strategies are:
may be assigned top most priority. Local • Improving productivity by introducing scientific
agricultural methods and building an institutional
bodies as well as stakeholders should be
network to support the continued adoption of the same.
involved in the process. • Ensuring timely irrigation by intelligent use of available

Encroachment and diversion of water water by adopting effective recharging mechanisms,
drip/sprinkler irrigation systems, timely cleaning and
bodies must not be allowed and deepening of tanks and canals, and adopting
wherever it has taken place it should be appropriate cropping pattern based on water
restored to the extent feasible. availability.
• Developing suitable post harvest infrastructure to

Water Users Associations should be maximize the benefits of value addition and timely
given statutory power to collect and marketing of produce. The State will also extend
retain a portion of water charges and agricultural extension activities to cover the entire
farming community.
maintain the distribution system in their Source: Vision Tamil Nadu 2023, Government of
jurisdiction. Tamil Nadu, (Page No.24)

A higher proportion of farmers rely on farm-saved seeds leading to low seed replacement
rate. It is desirable to achieve the required and recommended seed replacement rate to
accomplish higher production and productivity.

There is skewness in the application of chemical fertilizers (NPK). There is overdose of
nitrogenous and limited doses of phosphotic and potash fertilizers application. Farmers
are to be educated enough to apply balanced application of fertilizers. It required
appropriate price incentives.

Cost-effective and productivity-enhancing System of Rice Intensification is to be
implemented with efficacy and pragmatism.

Reforms in extension services are needed to ensure smooth transfer of agriculture
technology and information to the farming communities.

Exhaustion of yield potential of high yielding varieties in rice is to be overcome.

Post harvest value addition is to be improved and upgraded with adequate public
investment.

Efficient markets with a dynamic supply chain is indispensable for the development of the
agricultural sector.

With respect to horticulture, marketing initiatives are to be taken to promote modern
terminal markets for fruits, vegetable and other perishables in the important urban
centres. The terminal markets will operate on a hub-and-spoke format wherein the
terminal markets are linked to a number of collection centres located in key production
centres to allow easy access to farmers for marketing of their produce.

There are wide yield gaps across the State. Agriculture production can be substantially
increased if the yield gap will be addressed properly through technological and policy
intervention.

Awareness on crop insurance among the farmers may be enhanced.

To sum up, agriculture development is predicated by improvement in farm production

and productivity, better utilization of agriculture inputs, proper marketing infrastructure and
support, stepping up of investment in agriculture with due regard and environmental concerns
and efficient food management.

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