Ramanathapuram District Diagnostic Report

RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT
DIAGNOSTIC REPORT
Table of Contents
1. ABOUT TNRTP ....................................................................................... 5

a) District Diagnostic Study ................................................................... 5
b) Objectives ....................................................................................... 5
c) Methodology .................................................................................... 6
2. About Ramnad District ............................................................................ 6
3. Socio Demographic Profile of the District.................................................... 8
a) Population ....................................................................................... 8
b) Decadal growth of the population ........................................................ 9
c) Sex Ratio ...................................................................................... 10
d) Literacy ........................................................................................ 10
e) SC and ST Population ..................................................................... 11
f) Occupation Profile .......................................................................... 11
g) Community Based Organisations ....................................................... 12
h) Farmer Producer Organisations in Ramnad District (FPOs) ..................... 12
i) Bank service .................................................................................. 13
4. Geographical Features .......................................................................... 14
a) Topography ................................................................................... 14
b) Soils............................................................................................. 14
c) Land Use Pattern of the District ........................................................ 15
d) Climate and Rainfall ........................................................................ 16
e) Water Resources ............................................................................ 18
f) Ground Water ................................................................................ 18
g) Irrigation ...................................................................................... 20
5. Agriculture and Cropping Patterns .......................................................... 21
a) Paddy ........................................................................................... 21
b) Cholam ......................................................................................... 22
c) Cumbu ......................................................................................... 22
d) Ragi ............................................................................................. 22
e) Minor Millets .................................................................................. 22
f) Cotton .......................................................................................... 22
g) Pulses .......................................................................................... 22
h) Groundnut and Gingelly ................................................................... 22
i) Chillies ......................................................................................... 22
j) Area, Production and Productivity of Major Crops ................................. 23
6. Non-Farming Sector ............................................................................. 24
a) Palm leaf handcraft ......................................................................... 24
b) Palm gar ....................................................................................... 24
c) Handlooms .................................................................................... 25
7. Horticulture ........................................................................................ 25
a) Jasmine ........................................................................................ 27
b) Marketing and Storage Specialty ....................................................... 27
c) Agricultural Marketing and Regulated Markets ..................................... 28
8. Agri-business Opportunities ................................................................... 28
9. Animal Husbandry & Diary production ..................................................... 29
a) Livestock population in the district .................................................... 29
b) Diary Product................................................................................. 30
10. Fisheries............................................................................................. 31
a) Pearl fishery .................................................................................. 32
b) Chank Fishery ................................................................................ 32
c) Shrimp Farming ............................................................................. 33
d) Fish Culture in Cages ...................................................................... 33
e) Fisheries Industries ........................................................................ 34
f) Dry Fish ........................................................................................ 34
g) Seaweed Cultivation ....................................................................... 35
11. Industrial Scenario ............................................................................... 36
12. Mineral resources ................................................................................. 37
a) Mining and Quarrying ...................................................................... 38
13. District Infrastructure ........................................................................... 39
14. National and State Schemes .................................................................. 39
15. Collective farming ................................................................................ 39
16. Tourism.............................................................................................. 40
a) Scope of Tourism for Project Blocks ................................................... 42
17. Road and Rail Network.......................................................................... 43
18. Snapshot of SWOT Analysis ................................................................... 45
19. Analysis of Scope of Work for Project Blocks ............................................. 47
20. Commodity Prioritization ....................................................................... 51
21. Overall Opportunities in Project Blocks .................................................... 54
22. Way Forward ....................................................................................... 55
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Ramnad District Diagnostic Report - 2019
Glossary
1. FPO 2. Farmer Producer Organisation
3. CMFRI 4. Central marine fishers research institute
5. KVK 6. Krishi Vigyan Kendra
7. MSME 8. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
9. NABARD 10.National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
NABFIN 11.NABARD Financial services
PMKSY 12.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana
POPIs 13.Producer Organisation Promoting Institutions
SHG 14.Self Help Group
SFAC 15.Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium
TANSEDA 16.Tamilnadu State Seeds Development Agency
TNIAMP 17.Tamilnadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project
TNAU 18.Tamilnadu Agricultural University
VPRC 19.Village Poverty Reduction Committee
TNSRLM 20.Tamilnadu state rural livehood mission
CBO 21.Community based orgainsation
PLF 22.Panchayath level federation
NGO 23.Non governmental Organisation
SHG 24.Self Help Group
SAR 25.Sodium Adsorption Ratio
FIG 26.Farmer Interest Group
RSETI 27.Rural Self employment Training Institute
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1. ABOUT TNRTP
Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project (TNRTP) is a world bank initiated

project which aims to create an enabling environment for rural enterprises to
promote enterprise across select value chains in rural Tamil Nadu. Based on the
analysis, communities will identify commodities and subsectors in the value
chain for preparing enterprise plans. This project will promote rural enterprises,
facilitate their access to finance and create employment opportunities for youth,
particularly women, in selected blocks of Tamil Nadu across 26 districts. This
project will support building an ecosystem that will provide business
development services to entrepreneurs. The following study is analysis of
Ramanathapuram (Ramnad) district.
While Tamil Nadu has the second longest coastline in the country, Ramnad ,
an important coastal district contributes more than 25% of marine fish
production of Tamil Nadu. However,the following 4 Blocks which contains 143
Panchayats are to be covered under TNRTP in Ramanathapuram District.
S.No. Name of the Block No of Panchayats

1 Mandabam 28
2 Thiruvadanai 47
3 Thirupulani 33
4 RS Mangalam 35
TOTAL 143
a) District Diagnostic Study
The District Diagnostic Study is envisaged to study and prioritize the

commodities which focused on farm, off farm and non-farm sectors in
Ramanthapuram District. Further to the secondary data collected, a template
(using criteria like number of producers involved, comparative advantage etc.)
was created to finalize the commodity under farm and non-farm sector.
b) Objectives
• To assess the socio-economic challenges and opportunities for the

identification of cross-cutting /binding constraints to inclusive growth at
the district level, and
• To identify and prioritize current and potential value chains.
The study broadly analyses the indicators, such as social profile, rural profile,
FBOs, urbanization trends and labor mobility and the economic indicators; a
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sectorial analysis – agriculture, allied, non-farm including manufacturing and
service sectors; the current status of existing industries and the growth trends;
the potential economic growth centers within the districts and perceived gaps in
the existing ecosystem for promoting and nurturing MSEs and also promote
with sector-wise and block-wise presence and growth trends towards MSE;
existing and potential value chains in the sectors; and key private/public sector
players currently operating in the district. The study tries to understand the
factors contributing to rural economy through employment generation especially
with Women, youth, disabled enterprise promotion and create a high value
economic activities, thus resulting in increase in the household income and
Entrepreneurship standard in the district.
c) Methodology
Secondary Data was collected from Various line departments, SHGs, Farm
and Non-farm Associations, Resource Institutions, NABARD, LEAD Bank,
Statistical department and in the process the officials belonging to various
departments were consulted. Interactions were also held with the District and
block units of TNSRLM. Site visits were made to the resource institutions, FPOs,
traders, weaving clusters and villages in the district. Focus Group discussion with
the community was held to validate the secondary data.
2. About Ramnad District
Ramanathapuram district is situated in the southeast corner of Tamil Nadu

State falls in the rain shadow region and it is a highly drought prone district
and most backward in development. It is surrounded by Pudukkottai district in
the North, Sivagangai and Virudunagar district in the Northwest and West,
Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Gulf of Mannar on the South, Palk Strait on the
East. The district inits present form came into existence from 15th March 1985 by
trifurcating the composite Ramanathapuram district. The district has a total
geographical area of 408957 hec. The unique feature of this district is the
longest coastal line measuring about 237 km accounting for nearly 1/4th of the
total length of the coastal line of the State.
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Ramanathapuram district comprises 2 revenue divisions, 8 taluks, 11
community development blocks and 2362 villages. With repaid to the
hierarchy of administrative arrangement, there are 4 municipalities, 7 town
panchayats, 400 revenue villages and 429 village panchayats in the district.
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3. Socio Demographic Profile of the District
a) Population
The total population of this district is 1353445 comprising 682658 Men and
670787 women as per 2011 census. The urban population is 410699
constituting only 30 % of the total Population, the remaining 70% ie.942746
is rural population. The density of the
populationis320persq.km.Thetotalliteratesamongmaleare536477andthatoffe
maleare 442469.
The rural economy plays an important part in the livelihoods of People as

rural population is more than twice that of urban. This indicator establishes
the need for TNRTP objectives to make investments and interventions for
promotion of Rural enterprises paving way for the creation of job
opportunities in the district.
The details of population in Ramanathapuram district as per 2011 census are

furnished in Table
Table1. Population and Occupation details of Ramanathapuram District

S.No Particulars Unit in (‘000) Percent
1 Total Population 1353445 100
Male 682658 50.50
Female 670787 49.50
2. Occupation
Total workers 6,02,977
Main workers (Agriculture) 4,86,150 81
Marginal workers (Other 1,16,827 19

sectors)
Source: cences-2011
From the above table, it could be noted that the total population of the
district was 1353445 out of which male and female accounted 50.50 and
49.50 per cent respectively. Further it could be seen that most of the
workers were dependent on agriculture (81.00 per cent). The marginal
workers were found to be in other sectors only.
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b) Decadal growth of the population
The district population is 13,53,445 in 2011 as against 11,87,604 in 2001. The

decadal growth rate of the population in the district is 13.96 percent. The
density of the population in the district is 330 persons per sq.km in 2011, as
against 284 in 2001 which is due to the increased population as shown in Table
(2) The urban population is 4,10,699 constituting 30.34 % of the total
Population, the remaining 69.66% ie.942746 is rural population. SC population
is 249008, ST Population is 1105.
Population Density Sc pop % ST pop % Family

size
2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011
1187604 1353445 290 331 216312 18.21 249008 18.40 1078 0.091 1105 0.082 4.46 4.03
Source : Statistical Hand Book
Table 2: Ramanathapuram District Decade of Changes/Growth in

demographic profile
S.I Indicators 2001 2011

No.
1 Population 1,187,604 1,353,445
2 Decennial growth(percent) 6.12 13.96
3 Density of population per sq.km 284 330
4 Urban population(percent) NA 20.08
5 Sex ratio 1036 983
6 Percentage of 0-6 years old 12.15 10.28
Source: Census 2001, 2011
Ramanathapuram stands 25th in population among the districts Tamil Nadu in

2011, as against 15th in position in 2001. The district has 69.64 percent of its
population living in rural areas and 30.34 percent living in urban areas,
and the district has four municipalities. The percentage variation since the
previous census is 6.12 in rural and 13.96 in urban areas. It shows that the
increase of urban population is comparatively at a faster rate than the rural
population.
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c) Sex Ratio
Sex composition is the most important social indicator of demographic
characteristics to measure the extent of prevailing equity between males and
females in a society at a given point of time. Sex Ratio is defined as the number
of females per thousand males. In 2001, the study area had a positive sex ratio
of 1036. However, it became negative in 2011 and amounted to only 977
females per 1000 males. Thus the sex ratio declined in Ramanathapuram
district. One of the reasons is the lack of job opportunities in the district.
This resulted in migration of people, especially males to other districts
or states or countries.
d) Literacy
Average literacy rate of Ramanathapuram in 2011 were 80.72 compared
to 72.96 of 2001. If things are looked out at gender wise, male and female
literacy were 87.81 and 73.52 respectively. For 2001 census, same figures stood
at 83.01 and 63.36 in Ramanathapuram District. Total literate in
Ramanathapuram District were 978,946 of which male and female were 536,487
and 442,459 respectively. In 2001, Ramanathapuram District had 757,344 in its
district.
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2011 2011 2011 2001 2001 2001
Literacy ratio Male Female Literacy ratio Male Female
80.72 % 87.81 73.52 72.96% 83.01 63.36
Figure 1 Source: Census 2011
The literacy rate of urban population is 80.72% is higher than the rural
population which is 72.96 percent. (Figure-1)
e) SC and ST Population
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 18.39% and 0.08% of
the population respectively which is lower than the state percentages 20.01%
and 1.10% respectively.In Ramanathapuram districtSC &ST people are
concentrated in mudukulathur, paramakudi,tiruvadanai and kadaladi blocks.
Most of the people indulge in daily wages work only. Ramanathapuram has more
than 15 % of Muslim Population of which considerable number of people
work in abroad.
f) Occupation Profile
Ramanathapuram has 33% (about 20 thousand) population engaged either in

main or in marginal works. 55% male and 11% female population are the
working population. 53% of total male population are full time workers and 2%
are marginal (part time) workers. For women 10% of total female population are
full time and 2% are marginal workers. Migration to major cities in India and to
foreign countries is also increasing every year in this district. The Table below
gives detailed view of the different occupations.
Percentage of working population – Ramanathapuram
Sl. Census 2011

Industrial Category
No Persons % to Total
Workers
Cultivators 149959 25%
Total Main Agricultural Labors 103592 17%
1. Workers Household Industries 18546 3%
Other Workers 214053 35%
Total Main Workers 486150 81%
Cultivators 23808 4%
Total Agricultural Labours 50282 8%
Marginal
2 Household Industry 6682 1%
Workers
Other Workers 36055 6%
Total Marginal Workers 116827 19%
Total Workers 602977 100%
3 Non Workers 750468
4 Total Population 1353445
Source : Census 2011
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g) Community Based Organizations
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as Village Poverty Reduction

Committees (VPRCs) and Panchayat Level Federations (PLFs) were established
to provide services to poor. These CBOs leverage financial support from banks
and provide support to the members for the livelihood activities. There is a
significant number of SHGs (promoted byNGOs) is functioning in the district and
CBOs support and monitor the SHGs financial performance. The status of CBOs
in the district are:
• Total Panchayath -429

• Village Poverty Reduction Committee-429
• Panchayath Level Federation – 429
Self Help Groups

1 Self Help Groups (Mathi)(Rural) 4981 59772
2 Self Help Groups (IFAD)(Rural) 1589 19068
3 Self Help Groups (NonMathi) (Rural) 4723 84237
4 Self Help Groups (Mathi)(Urban) 519 6338
5 Self Help Groups (NonMathi) (Urban) 2492 39548
Total 14304 208963

Source :TNSRLM
h) Farmer Producer Organisations in Ramnad District (FPOs)
There are 10 FPOs promoted by Agri Dept, NABARD and Resource

Institutions.Most of the FPOs are workingon the Paddy, Millet, Chellys ,and few
of them on jasmine, fish, black Gram, Diary , Cotton. Total members of
Ramanathapuram District FPOs are 9461.
In Naithal the FPO working on Traditional paddy and Pulses in Kamuthi,
Mudhukulathur and Paramakudi. These FPOs accounted for the turn over
4430000 for the year 2018-19 and the net profit is 323560. In Mandapam Block,
Jasmine FPO is inactive as workers were reported not cooperative for FPOs
action plan and other FPOs working going well in other areas.
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Sl.No. Name of the FPO Area of operation Activity / Crops No.of
/ Blocks shareh
olders
1 Ramanathapuram Kamuthi, Paddy, 2293
FPO Mudhukulathur, Chilli,
Kadaladi, Black Gram
Paramakudi,
Thiruppilani,
2 Neithal Sustainable Kamuthi, Traditional Paddy, 1500
FPO Mudhukulathur, Pulses
Paramakudi
3 Ramnad Mundu Mudukulathur Chilly, Cotton, 1249

Chilly FPO Millets
4 Vaigai FPO Paramakudi Chilly, Cotton, 1021
Millets
5 Mannar Fishermen Kadaladi Fish 243
PO
6 Abhiramam Paramakudi, Chilly and Minor 655
Traditional Crop FPO Kamuthi, millets
Thiruchuli,
Kadalaadi, Uchipuli
7 Mandapam Jasmine Mandapam Jasmine 500
FPO
8 Parambai FPO Paramakudi,Bogalu Chilly,Paddy,Millet 1000
r,Nainar Kovil s,Vegetables,Cott
on
9 Mugavai FPO Muthukulathur,Kam Chilly,Paddy,Millet 1000
uthi,Kadaladi s,Cotton
10 Thiruvaadaanai FPO Thiruvaadaanai Paddy, 0
Millets,Chillies,Cor
iander,Dairy etc.
i) Bank service
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Ramanathapuram district is well served by a network of 209 banks. They include
88 nationalized banks, 21 Scheduled banks, 28 Grama banks, 58 Agricultural
banks and 14 Mortgage banks
BANK LOAN:
S.no Sector Beneficiaries Amount
(Crores)
1 Agriculture 374256 2806.92
2 MSE 18672 168.05
3 Education 20266 304
4 Housing 11968 299.20
5 Export credit Sector 2718 42
6 Renewable Sector 1407 21.11
7 Social Infrastructure 3465 51.98
8 Under Priority Sector 21853 337.60
Bank loans have been largely concentrated in Agriculture areas while MSE
and Export Sectors are totally neglected when there is a huge scope of both in
this district.
4. Geographical Features
a) Topography
Ramanathapuram is located between 9° 05' and 9° 50' North of Latitude and
between 78° 10' and 79° 27' East of Longitude. Ramanathapuram is situated in
South-eastern part of Tamil Naduand it is something in dumper shape.It is
bounded on the north by Sivaganga District, on the northeast by Pudukkottai
District, on the east by the Palk Strait, on the south by the Gulf of Mannar, on
the west by Thoothukudi District, and on the northwest by Virudhunagar District.
It covers the geographical area of 4175.00 Sq. km.
b) Soils
The soils of Ramanathapuram District can be assorted into the main types
viz., clay, coastal alluvium, sandy loam, alluvium, sandy and red soil clay, and
black cotton soil. Coastal alluvium occurs in Kadaladi, R.S.Mangalam,
Mandapam, Ramanathapuram, Thiruppullani and Thiruvadanai blocks. There are
vast stretches of saline and alkaline soils found in the coastal blocks.
Rameswaram Island contains mainly sandy soil.
The fertility status of soil showed that nitrogen status of soil is low in al blocks
and phosphorus status of soil is also low in all blocks except Thiruppullani,
Kamuthi and Kadaladi where it is medium. The potash content of soil is high in
all the blocks.
Sandy Clay Sandy Alluvial Sandy Coastal Red soil Total

clay loam alluvial
7,328 1,82,463 22,138 43,769 63,602 71,357 18,390 4,08,957
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Source: District Statistical Handbook
c) Land Use Pattern of the District

The total geographical area of Ramanathapuram district is 4,08,957 hectares.
The total gross cropped area of the district was 54,752 and net area sown was
178074 hectares in 2017-18. Further it could be seen that the non agriculture
area was 22.20 per cent of the total geographicalarea
S.no Particulars Areas in

Hectares
1 Forest 4,488.00
2 Barren and Uncultivated land 4,457.49
3 Land put into Non-Agriculture Use 86,646.83
4 Cultivable waste 3,407.35
5 Permanent pastures and grazing land 154
6 Land under Mis-trees and Tops 31,171.67
7 Current fallow 54,752.47
8 Other Fallow Land 45,804.25
9 Total Geographical Area 4,08,957.035
10 Net Sown area 1,78,074.96
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Source : Agriculture Department
d) Climate and Rainfall
The district receives rain under the influence of both Southwest and
Northeast monsoons. The Northeast monsoon chiefly contributes to the rainfall
in the district. Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of cyclonic storms
caused due to the depressions in Bay of Bengal. The Southwest monsoon
rainfall is highly erratic and summer rains are negligible. The average annual
rainfall over the district is 827 mm with the maximum around Pamban and all
along the coast and it decreases towards inland.
Rainfall Projections for Ramanathapuram
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Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Rainfall( 1396. 967. 1186. 896. 896. 617. 946. 1114. 348. 599. 663.
mm) 56 70 15 26 26 91 54 00 60 90 80
Period Normal Actual

South West Monsoon 149.3 79.56
North East Monsoon 491.7 186.02
Winter Period 51.3 80.48
Hot Weather period 115.5 49.76
Total 807.8 395.8
TIME SERIES DATA OF RAINFALL BY SEASONS (LAST 14 YEARS)

# Year Southwest Northeast Winter Hot Total %Devia
Monsoon Monsoon season weather Monsoon tion
Monsoon Season
Nor Act Nor Act No Act Nor Actu Nor Actual (+ or -
mal ual mal ual rm ual mal al mal ) from
al Normal
1 2004- 136.1 229 507 710 53. 37. 123. 336. 821. 1313. +60.0
2005 .5 .4 .8 9 6 8 0 2 9
2. 2005- 136.1 115 507 765 53. 23. 123. 119. 821. 1024. +24.7
06 .3 .4 .2 9 9 8 7 2 1
3. 2006- 136.1 77. 507 634 53. 73. 123. 53.4 821. 839.6 +2.2
07 6 .4 .8 9 8 8 2
4. 2007- 136.1 85. 507 512 53. 43. 123. 129. 821. 771.6 -6.0
08 7 .4 .8 9 2 8 9 2
5. 2008- 136.1 101 507 893 53. 16. 123. 41.1 821. 1052. +28.4
09 .2 .4 .4 9 6 8 2 3
6. 2009- 136.1 95. 507 679 53. 12. 123. 69.6 821. 856.6 +4.3
10 2 .4 .5 9 3 8 2
7. 2010- 136.1 265 507 821 53. 22. 123. 100. 821. 1209. +47.2
11 .1 .4 .8 9 2 8 0 2 1
8. 2011- 136.1 72. 507 715 53. 11. 123. 54.2 821. 853.9 +4.0
12 8 .4 .8 9 1 8 2
9. 2012- 136.1 90. 507 454 53. 98. 123. 79.8 821. 853.9 +4.0
13 4 .4 .5 9 6 8 2
10 2013- 149.3 73. 491 333 51. 55. 115. 183. 807. 645.7 -9.1
. 14 1 .7 .1 3 7 5 8 8
11 2014- 149.3 84. 491 611 51. 3.8 115. 285. 807. 985.5 +22
. 15 8 .7 .4 3 5 5 8
12 2015- 149.3 155 491 572 51. 3.6 115. 92.3 807. 824.2 +2
. 16 .9 .7 .4 3 5 8
13 2016- 149.3 79. 491 186 51. 80. 115. 49.7 807. 395.8 -51
. 17 56 .7 .02 3 48 5 6 8 2
14 2017- 149.3 211 491 259 51. 2.2 115. 110. 807. 583.4 -27.78
. 18 .3 .7 .1 3 5 8 8
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Source: District handbook
The last seven years has been rain deficit years for Ramanathapuram. But
in this year, it has been receiving widespread rainfall in October and November.
It might bring a relief to the formers and stop further migration.
e) Water Resources
The district has 2 rivers viz Vaigai and Gundar, but they are not perennial.
Vaigai river starts in Gandamanaickanur hills of Theni district traverse through
Paramakkudi and Ramanathapuram taluks in a South-Easterly direction feeding
a large number of tanks. It joins the sea near Attangarai. The Gundar river from
the Eastern slopes of the Varushanadu and Andipatty ranges above Watrap flows
through Aruppukkottai and empties into the Gulf of Mannar. Vaigai river basin,
Pambar & Kottakaraiyar and Gundar,are the three catchment areas of river basin
in the district. The existence of over 5,000 number of tanks in the district makes
it known as the Lake District of the State.
Vaigai river
Source wikipedia
f) Ground Water
As the development of ground water has already reached an optimal stage in

many blocks of this district, further development of ground water for creation of
additional irrigation potential has to be carried out with extreme caution.
Waste land development program and micro irrigation system has to be

implemented for increasing the agricultural produces by way of more food and
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income per drop of water in view of the limited water resources in Ramnad
District
Name of Taluk Over Critical Semi Safe (>70%) Saline
Exploited (Bet.00 & Critical
(>100%) 100%) (Bet.00
& 90%)
Kadaladi Aappanur
Kadaladi
Melachelvanur
S.Tharaikudi
Sayalkudi
Sukkal
Kamuthi Abiramam
kamuthi East
Kamuthi West
Kovilankulam
Perunazhi
Mudukulathur Kakkur Mudukulathur
South
Melakodumalur
Mudukulathur
North
Theriruveli
Paramakudi Bogalur
Kiliyur
Manjur
Nainarkoil
Paramakudi
parthibanoor
Ramanathapuram Devipattinam
Mandapam
Perunkulam
Ramanathapuram
T.U. Mangai
Rameswaram Rameswaram
Thiruvaadanai Aanandhur
R.S. Managalam
Sholandhur
Thiruvaadaanai
Thondi
Mangalakudi
Pullur
Total Number of 29 9
Firkas(38)
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In Ramanathapuram district mostly the ground water is saline. For agriculture
and irrigation this district solely depends seasonal rainfall.
g) Irrigation
The Irrigation contain the sources like Dug Wells, Tube Wells, Tanks and Major
Canals are listed as follows:
Source of Irrigation In Nos.
Major Canals Nil
Tanks 1,694
Tube Wells 425
Dug Wells 7,321
The major crops in the district are paddy, chillies, millets, cotton, groundnut,
pulses, and coconut. With judicious use of water with modern water
management techniques, yield of those crops can be boosted and thereby export
potential can be explored. The productivity of food crops like paddy, chillies and
coconut can also be increased to the target levels by proper water management
practices.
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5. Agriculture and Cropping Patterns
The major food grain crops paddycultivated are Paddy, cholam, sequence of
cropping season is sep to Jan paddy,cotton&chilles(jan to march) Ragi&pulses
(jun to oct). Black gram is one of the important pulses grown in middle seasons.
Red gram is sown mainly under rain-fed condition.
Crop Jan- March April- June July- sept Oct-Dec

Paddy
Chilli
Ground
Nut
Ragi
Minor
millet
Gingelly
a) Paddy
District Agriculture Plan – Ramanathapuram District irrigation duration is August
to November. Sometimes, sowing will be further extended until December
depending on accumulation of rainwater in the tanks and also release of water
from Vaigai Dam to the Vaigai fed system tanks.
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b) Cholam
Rainfed cholam sowing is taken up in dry lands between July and September.
Beyond September, there would not be any sowing of cholam crop and cumbu
crop would be sown as alternate crop in those areas. Lablab pulses is also sown
as mixed crop.
c) Cumbu
Rainfed cumbu sowing is generally taken up between September and November.
Only in Ramanathapuram taluk, the sowing will be extended upto December.
Irrigated cumbu is taken up from February, March to June, July.
d) Ragi
Rainfed ragi sowing is taken up during September and October. Irrigated ragi is
mainly sown in September to October in East Ramanathapuram where the crop
is sown in tank fed ayacut areas.District Agriculture Plan – Ramanathapuram
District 24
e) Minor Millets
Minor millets are generally sown between July and November and the area is
spread over throughout the district.
f) Cotton
Rainfed cotton sowing is taken up in September-October. The sowing will be
extended sometimes upto December depending upon rainfall. Rice fallow cotton
is generally sown in Paramakudi and Kamuthi taluks during January-February
months.
g) Pulses
Redgram is sown in June - August. Blackgram, greengram and cowpea are sown
as rainfed crops in September and October months. Redgram is sown as mixed
crop with millets and groundnut. Blackgram and Greengram are sown as pure
crop as well as mixed crop with cotton and sugarcane. The Cowpea is sown as
pure crop and also in some places as mixed crop with millets.
h) Groundnut and Gingelly

Groundnut and gingelly are cultivated mostly under rain fed conditions, during
the months of December-January and April – May.
i) Chillies
Chillies are cultivated in both rainfed and irrigated conditions. They are directly
broadcasted in the month of September. The transplanted chillies will be taken
in the fortnight of November
22 | P a g e
Paddy, cotton and millets plays the major crops in the Ramanathapuram district
because it’s a drought area in rainfall and clay type of soil. So for the past 3
years paddy cultivation is very low in this district. This year, farmers expect
huge cultivation in paddy because of good rainfall. Cotton and millets are season
crops cultivating all other areas in this district.
Due to dry climate and clay soil, very few pulses like redgram, blackgram,
greengram, horsegram and cowpea are cultivated in this district. Blackgramis
cultivated majorly in this district.
The Oil seeds coconut and groundnut gives moderate production in this district.
Agriculture department suggest to go with hydroponics cultivation system in
this district in future cultivation process because of soil type.
j) Area, Production and Productivity of Major Crops

The major agriculture crops in the district are :
Sl.No Crops Area ( Productio Producti % to the
hec.) n (tones) vity total area
Kg./hec. sown
1 Paddy 126643 44571.8 352.82 71.118
2 Cholam 3604 3382.7 925.75 2.024
3 Cumbu 602 929.3 1551.5 0.338
4 Ragi 330 309.8 761.2 0.185
5 Maize 751 69.6 87.19 0.422
6 Other Millets 1162 2510.9 2284.75 0.653
Total Cereals 133092 74.739
7 Redgram 2 0.4 350 0.001
8 Blackgram 3435 337.4 97.61 1.929
9 Greengram 300 77.5 248.55 0.168
10 Horsegram 1 0.0 0 0.001
11 Cowpea 325 16.4 48.66 0.183
12 Other Pulses 0 0 0 0.000
Total Pulses 4063 2.282
13 Groundnut 2926 4066.5 1416.4 1.643
14 Gingelly 1124 391.7 312.825 0.631
15 Sunflower 484 387.0 816.5 0.272
16 Coconut 8118 4.559
Others 60 0.0 0 0.034
Total Oil seeds 12712 0.0 0 7.139
17 Cotton 2152 1882.1 897.11 1.208
18 Sugarcane 213 -- NA 0.120
23 | P a g e
6. Non-Farming Sector
a) Palm leaf handcraft

Here,a group of people indulge in traditional handicraft business using palm leaf.
we can give training for them at value added things. As they lack marketing
skills they arenot able to make considerable profit.Many of them recently
stopped their business due to minimal profit margin. There is a certainscope for
value added training in this craft.
b) Palm gar
The Ramanathapuram District has more than one crore palm trees all around the
district. But the maximum use to tap Sap during seasons starting from February
to July end every year is minimal. It is an “untapped Potential” of this district
resource not much development and research in processing Sap for Palm sugar
production is done. Hence the study was taken to explore the transfer of
traditional technology used in producing “palm candy” to “palm sugar” directly
and this is the focused objective in designing the equipment to produce palm
sugar as an organic product as it was not cultivated by farmers or agriculturists.
It is a wild tree grown densely in a natural way. The products of palm tree is
highly valuable and eco- friendly. The entire tree is useful to human race. This
natural resource to be safe guarded and tapped for human living as a food
source keeping all these factors into consideration the study has been taken to
help the rural folk involved in palm products activities in particular, to initiate the
production of palm sugar as a cottage industry in Ramanathapuram District.Palm
trees usually thrive in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In fact, there is an area
designated as Palm Belt of the world, which extends up to 45° on both sides of
the equator.This belt involves three continents covering 13 countries in Africa,
ten in Asia and five in South America. In India, Palmyrah palm (Borassus
flabellifer Lin) is traditionally used for obtaining various edible and non-edible
products. According to the census taken in India about 8.59 crores of palmyrah
trees present in India and out of which 5.19 crores of palmyrah trees present in
Tamil Nadu. Palm trees thrive on non-agricultural lands, on the banks of
streams, rivers and canals, on undulating hill slopes and sandy lands which are
normally unfit for cultivation.
24 | P a g e
c) Handlooms
In paramakudi,many involve in handloom business and they are doing it in
traditional way.More than 7139 family depends on this for their survival and
there is a huge market for their products if properly channelized. They make silk
sarees and cotton sarees especially.
Sl.No. Name/Location of Focal centre No. of the Focal Centre

1 Paramakudi / Paramakudi Paramakudi Municipality (29)
Municipality
2 Emaneswaram / Paramakudi Paramakudi Municipality(54)
Municipality
3 Ramanathapuram Ramanathapuram Municipality
/Ramanathapuram Municipality (1)
4 Neeravi / Kamuti union Kamuti union (1)
No of Families Engaged Handlooms

Sl.No. Name of the District No. of the Families Engaged in
Handlooms Power looms
1 Paramakudi 7049 2
2 Ramanathapuram 10 --
3 Kamuthi 80 2
Total 7139 4
Source: 2017-18 Statistical Hand book
Sl. No. Particulars Number

1. Total Number of Handlooms in the District 7139
2. Number of Handlooms brought into Cooperative 4389
Fold
3. Of which (a) active Looms 4120
(b) Idle Looms 269
7. Horticulture
In Ramanathapuram District the major Horticulture Crops grown are Chillies,

Coriander, Mango, Brinjal, Bhendi, Onion, Jasmine etc., In total about
20,000 ha of area covered by various Horticulture Crops in this district.
Doubling production and tripling income of farmers is the prime policy of
Tamilnadu. Encouraging technologies, promoting horticulture as a profitable and
viable sector by leveraging technologies, encouraging farm mechanization and
improved Post Harvest Management etc., paves the way for achieving the policy
25 | P a g e
S.No Name of the Block Total Chillies Chillies Area 2017- 2016-
area Expansion under 18 17
Schemes (2018-19)
1 Bogalur 790 10 0 0
2 Kadaladi 3793 20 0 40
3 Kamuthi 3824 250 170 45
4 Mudukulathur 3974 40 120 50
5 Nainarkoil 1490 25 30 25
6 Paramakudi 1150 25 30 25
7 Ramanathapuram 188 10 0 30
8 R.S.Mangalam 364 10 0 5
9 Tirupullani 988 10 0 0
Total 16561 400 350 220
Source: Horticulture dept
The strategies of horticulture Department are to encourage the use of hybrid

seeds and quality planting material in area expansion of horticulture crops,
hi-tech cultivation, high density planting, promotion of cultivating high value
horticulture crops in protected cultivation, use of micro irrigation, pollination
support through bee keeping for enhancing the production, Integrated nutrient
management, pest and disease management, farm mechanization and improved
Post Harvest Management techniques.
Among various components of horticulture sector, vegetable cultivation is given

prime role keeping in view of the nutritional importance to the commons and
ease of cultivation by the small and marginal farmers. At present, vegetable
cultivation is being practiced in limited pockets of the district only. Enhancing the
nutritional standards of diet taken by the people of district, needs expansion of
vegetable cultivation in other parts of the district endowed with appropriate
resources. But it has its limitations on account of presence of poor quality soil
and limited availability of irrigated water in non-conventional areas.
As an attempt to utilize the funds under NADP to develop Mandapam block of the
district, a proposal is prepared to promote betel vine cultivation. Betel vine
comes up well in this pocket owing to the suitability of soil type and
availability of copious back water of Bay of Bengal/Gulf of Mannar. Quality of
betel leaves grown in this block is renowned in many parts of the State,
especially in the southern districts. But venturing into this, needs considerable
investment on securing quality planting materials, frequent and timely
plant protection measures and inter culture activities like stacking and
supporting the twines.
Thus two separate proposals on, “Increasing quality production in vegetables”

and “Promotion of betel vine cultivation” are proposed under horticulture sector
development.
Sericulture activities are not available in this district as it’s a drought

area.
26 | P a g e
a) Jasmine
In a quiet development in recent years, about 500 fishermen families of
Mandabam gave up their traditional vocation of fishing and began cultivating the
much sought after jasmine flower in places like Akkalmadam, Thangachimadam,
Peikarumbu and Thenkuda in a small way with nearly 300 to 400 family
members are cultivating jasmine at 18kgs-20kgs per acre/day .
For instance, during Deepavali festival last year, one kg of jasmine fetched the
farmers here Rs 1,500, but this year the price has crashed to Rs 500 per kg and
earnings from jasmine has suddenly dwindled as this is the price the
middlemen offer .
Jasmine is usedfor making perfumes in the Mandabam unit.To help the local
growers survive Formation of Producer group was created and they help
develop Nursing plan and activates Jasmine Direct Marketfor both Local and
Export demands .
Source Decan chronical 2018
b) Marketing and Storage Specialty

Marketing of agriculture is done through various regulated markets, co-operative
marketing societies, Uzhavarsandhai (Fruits and Vegetables), Wholesale markets
and Local Sandhais. Apart from these Weekly markets, daily markets also exist
in the district. The details of markets are described in the Table below.
27 | P a g e
S.No. Type Total nos
1. Regulated market(APMC) 5
2 Wholesale markets(Traders) 115
3 Co-op marketing societies 97
4 Local Sandais 15
5 Uzhavarsandais 2
6 Cold storage, Godowns 2,15
Source:Agri market dept
c) Agricultural Marketing and Regulated Markets

Regulated market is wholesale market where buying and selling is regulated and
controlled by the state government through the market committee. The primary
object of regulating the market is to safeguard the interest of the producer
sellers raise the standards of the local Markets where the first exchange of the
goods takes place.
It has 21 regulated markets through which the farmers sell their Agri-products
directly to the government.
The following table lists product details.
No of market Products
Five Paddy
Chilly
Cotton
coriander
Millet
Pulses
Source: http://agritech.tnau.ac.in
The average annual rice production in the district was 4.85 lakh tonnes last
year. However, the transaction of paddy through regulated markets in the
district was only 1.1 lakh tonnes which needs to be given further attention.
8. Agri-business Opportunities
Rice- Traditional varieties of Mappillai and samba have huge potential to

increase farmers’ profit if cold storage facility is developed here. These two
varieties yield high profits
Chilly –Here lot of people cultivate chilly and it’s by-products but separate
market is available in paramakudi for chilly products alone.Chilly is a
geographical specified product and it’s supply can be increased to multifoldsin
these blocks but logistics support is low. Hence transporting this to domestic
market itself is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
28 | P a g e
Jasmine-Here mandapam blocks have huge potential for jasmine production.
With the continuing uncertainties in coastal fishing in Rameswaram, particularly
due to the frequent attacks and arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy, a fairly large
group of fishermen here who switched over to jasmine cultivation for livelihood
security are in a limbo as jasmine prices crashed.
Groundnut- Ready availability of groundnut creates ample opportunities for

exporting it to Domestic market as well as abroad. Nearby Kovilpatti is a very
good domestic market for Groundnuts as they need this to create the famous
Kovilpatti barfi.
9. Animal Husbandry &Diary production
Livestock is yet another sector supporting agricultural development, particularly

the livelihood of down trodden members of the society like small and marginal
farmers and landless agricultural labourers. Presence of agricultural labourers
and rural workers in the district tend to sustain the demand for live stock in the
coming years too.
a) Livestock population in the district
According to 12th Livestock Census, the approximate population of the livestock

in the district includes 3,33,862 number. Of which 85,654 No’s were
cattle’s.2,42,789 No’s were sheep’s, 2,22,997 No’s were goat, pig and domestic
dogs are few in number. Source: 12th Livestock Census, 2012
CATTLE BUFFALO SHEEP GOAT PIG DOG OTHERS

85654 1291 242789 222997 2426 1402 300
Source: Animal husbandry
Compare to other district here cattle and buffalo ratio are very less, so the dairy
production in this district is low compare other district.
Commercial Goat Farming is identified as a great source of income and

employment for the unemployed people of Ramanathapuram.
Source : TNAU
29 | P a g e
Poultry is not available in this district. Only natural breed is available
(house side) and the people sell it in the local market.
b) Diary Product
Dairying isanother occupation whichoffers immense scope for development in
the district. Ramanathapuram, Thiruvadanai, Kadaladi and Kamuthi taluk are
important potential areas for development.
Name of the No. of Milk Quantity of milk Value of milk

Block/Urban Societies. produced produced
Town (In Lakhs-f Litre) (In Lakhs)
Ramanathapuram 03 2.208 66.24
Thiruppullani 01 0.674 20.22
Mandapam 0 0 0
R.S.Mangalam 06 1.873 56.19
Thiruvadanai 34 22.241 667.23
Paramakudi 10 7.892 236.76
Bogalur 19 13.681 410.43
Nainarkoil 13 11.444 343.32
Mudhukulathur 16 7.311 219.33
Kadaladi 5 0.991 29.73
Kamuthi 10 8.161 244.83
Total 117 76.476 2294.28
The grazing of land available in many blocks offeres good scope for this
activity. The milk production in the district has been significantly stepped up to
76 lakhs liters in Dairy farming and it still has vast potential for expansion to
meet the existing and rapidly increasing demand for milk. Department of animal
husbandry has 63 insemination centers, 114 Dairy co-operative societies, and
four milk chilling centres in ramnathapuram district at kattivayal,
valimattanvalasai, achamkulam, vilangaluthut with 10,000 lit. capacity.
Low cattle and Buffalo Population, Shortage of green and dry fodder, Lack
of sufficient manpower in the sector are the drawbacks that need to be
addressed as production is very low compare to other districts.We can help
people increase diary production as they are willing to start forming business
and we could specifically promote Goat rearing which needs limited resources
compare to other .
30 | P a g e
10. Fisheries
The length of coastal line of Ramanathapuram District is big when compared to

other coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. There are about 184 fishing villages
situated along the coastline in Ramanathapuram district.About 31225 fishermen
are actively engaged in fishing. Fishing operation is mostly carried out by
mechanized boat, motorized boat, non mechanized boat and shore seine.
However in recent years shore seine had been reduced due to its high cost.
There are about 6 fish landing centre 5 freezing plants and 18 ice, cold storage
plants. Inland fishing is mainly confined to
seasonal tanks only. Among three types of fisheries (marine, inland and brackish
water), the marine fishery operation is very dominant in this district. This district
had the natural advantage of having its fishing ground in Palk Bay and the Gulf
of Manner.
Sl.No. Item Area (Ha.)

1 a. Total Coastal Line of the District 237 Km
b) i)Total Inland Fresh Water spread 45206.39 Ha
Area
ii) Estuarires and Brackish Water Area 299.25 Ha
c) Marine Fishing Village 180
d) No. of Coastal Centre’s 9
2. Fish Production:1.Marine:138591.4 Tones 1. Marine : 138591.4 tones
2. Inland :1765.26 2. Inland : 1765.26 tones
Tones
3. Inland Fisheries Development
a. ) Freezing Plants: 2
b. ) Ice-plants, Cold storages and Ice-plants: 30,Cold storages
walk in coolers :4
c.) Sea food manufacturing Units in 1.Baby Marine sea foods pvt
private sector Ltd
2.premier sea food pvt Ltd.
d.) Fisheries Training centre: Marine: 1.Central Marine
Marine: Fisheries
Research Institute
Inland: (CMFRI) Mandapam.
2. Central salt &
Marine Chemical
Research Institute
(CSMCRI), Mandapam.
Inland: Krishi Vigyan Kendra
(KVK),
Ramanathapuram.
e.) Fishing Vessels Mechanized Fishing
Boat:1522, Motorized Non
Mechanical:4767
f.) Active Marine Fishermen 40464
4. Export
Fish and Fish Products Export 30031.5 Tones
31 | P a g e
In Ramanathapuram TNRTP block , 54 panchayats out of total 143 panchayats,
are coastal panchayat and most of families are involved in fisheries and allied
activities. Nearly 38% of panchayat in TNRTP blocks are doing fishery
activity, so the focus on fishery and allied activities promotion is paramount for
this district.
The coastal area is not influenced by dynamic changes of the sea like tsunami
waves, monsoon winds and currents. Therefore, it is offered wide scope for
spawning activities of fishes.These favorable natural conditions facilitated the
conduct of marine fishery operations throughout the year. But the inland
fisheries is ineffectively carried on in this district.
NO. OF FAMILIES ENGAGED IN FISHING

Sl.No. Name of the Centre’s No. of Families engaged
1 Ramanathapuram (North) ADF Control 7339
2 Ramanathapuram (South) ADF Control 10536
3 Mandapam ADF Control 4735
4 Rameswaram ADF Control 13194
Total 35804
a) Pearl fishery
Ramanathapuram coast is well known for pearl fishing. The Pandyan kings who
ruled over this district exploited the pearl fisheries of the East Coast. The Cholas
who succeeded Pandyas not only patronized pearl fishing but also developed it
with great care in the Palk and Gulf of mannar. Marco Polo (1260-1300) who
travelled in India during this period says in his account that the pearl fishing was
monopolised by Pandyas. The large quantity of pearls collected from the pearl
beds were exported to Mediterranean countries The Regional centre of the
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Mandapam which was established in
1947 has developed proven technology for the culture of pearls, edible oyster
calm mussel and seaweed. Commercial pearl farming has come up near
Kurusadai Island and the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation Limited
maintains it.
b) Chank Fishery
Ramanathapuram District has distinct chank fishery. Jadhi Chanks are abundant
in the Palk Bay strait and Gulf of Mannar. More than 2000 fishermen are
engaged in active chank diving and sacred chank collected by divers are
marketed to West Bengal for making ornaments. This contributes
significantly to the development of fisheries.
32 | P a g e
c) Shrimp Farming
About 162 prawn farms are operating by private in the district to the extent of
water spread area of 378ha which follows the semi- intensive type of prawn
culture. Shrimp harvested from these farms are exported to Japan, USA and
European countries, which earns sizable foreign exchange for the country.
d) Fish Culture in Cages

Ramanathapuram Coastal villages mainly Thondi, Erwadi, Mandapam,
Thangachimadam and Olaikuda areas are suitable for erecting cages for fish
culture as an alternative livelihood for fisherfolk. The fishermen are encouraged
by the State Government to follow the fish culture in 6 metre dia round cages
with subsidy for construction of cages and supply of inputs. By this way, more
than 75 cages are operated for fish culture with more than a one ton of fish
harvested from each cage with the culture period of 6 to 7 months.
33 | P a g e
e) Fisheries Industries
In Ramanathapuram district 7 fish processing factories are functioning in

Tondi and Mandapam. Prawn, Squids, Cuttle fish, Crabs and fish are processed
by fishing and exported to foreign countries. Many small entrepreneurs are
involved in fish drying and dried fish is used in poultry and cattle feed
manufacturing.
Here Fishers department offers manysubsidiary schemes for fisherman

community
➢ Cage fishing here mostly used cobiya breed men means (40%sub
:60%loan) and for women(60%sub:40%loan)
➢ Deep fishing technology training and materials (70%sub:30%loan)
➢ Fishing ban period assistance (Rs 5000per month)
Free raft for seaweed cultivation
f) Dry Fish
Fresh fish rapidly deteriorates unless some way can be found to preserve it.
Drying is a method of food preservation that works by removing water from the
food, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Open air drying using sun
and wind has been practiced since ancient times to preserve food. Water is
usually removed by evaporation (air drying, sun drying, smoking or wind drying)
but, in the case of freeze-drying, food is first frozen and then the water is
34 | P a g e
removed by sublimation. Bacteria, yeasts and molds need the water in the food
to grow, and drying effectively prevents them from surviving in the food.
Fish are preserved through such traditional methods as drying, smoking and
salting. The oldest traditional way of preserving fish was to let the wind and sun
dry it. Drying food is the world's oldest known preservation method, and dried
fish has a storage life of several years. The method is cheap and effective in
suitable climates; the work can be done by the fisherman and family, and the
resulting product is easily transported to market. Here lot of fisherman family
depend on this dry fish scope for forming producer group and hygienic dry fish
unit. It is another important activity in 54 blocks under TNRTP.
g) Seaweed Cultivation
Mandapam and Thiruvadanai Blocks are Suitable for Seaweed Cultivation

because of Natural Conditions. Earlier, 2000 Members involved in this Cultivation
reduced to 500 members(200 regular workers and 300 part time workers).
In Thiruvadanai Block 80 Members are Identified by Fisheries Department will be

Provided Raft.Tirupulani Block is not Suitable for Seaweed Cultivation because of
sea tide. Sixteen Groups Formed with 20 membersin each group for cultivation
of seaweed by Fisheries department Fisheries.Department has recentlygiven
1000 raft to Members for Cultivation of seaweed cultivation. This Department
for this year is 6000 raftswhich will be Given to Seaweed Cultivators identified
.
35 | P a g e
Seasonal Cultivation:
Seaweed Cultivation Season is suitable from January to September. From
October to December heavy wind and rain makesvery difficult for them to
cultivate at this season.
Seaweed is Purchased by big company here and all so some industries
1.Aqua green india pvt ltd

2. Sea6enery pvt ltd
1. Seaweed’smarket demand is high all over the world in various

industries
2. Seaweed is marine algae diverse used as fertilizer industries, Cosmetics
and Paramedical industries, Food industries.
3. Seaweed cultivation has helped fishers households to improve their
social economic condition as well as their standard of living
4. Seaweed is very important thing for Microbiology Industries
11. Industrial Scenario
Ramanathapuram district is heavily depended on agriculture and fishers-based

sectors only. Recently it starts making a slow move towards modern
industries.In this district we have Asia’s biggest solar power plant installed by
Adani power India pvt ltd at kamuthi. The district is considered as an
industrially backward area and the Government is giving incentives like
allotment of sites at cheaper rates, adequate power supply and loans on low
rates of interest to entrepreneurs for setting up industries. The government on
with its part also has set up few establishments in the public / co-operative
sectors for providing employment to local population. The chief industries found
in the district are handloom weaving of textiles, spinning and weaving of
textiles in factories, salt and chemical industries, cement, matches,
crackers and fireworks and printing and allied industries.
Handloom weaving of cotton textiles is an ancient occupation followed in this

district.The important handloom centres are situated in Paramakkudi taluk. Silk
weaving, using China Silk as raw material, is practiced in Ramanathapuram and
36 | P a g e
Paramakkudi.Textile mills are functioning in the district,which produce a variety
of yarns. Mat weaving is followed in the vicinity of Ilaiyankudi. Boxes and other
articles from palmyrah leaves are being manufactured in a number of places in
Ramanathapuram taluk.Coconut coir fibre making is followed in the district, the
important centre being Periyapattinam There has been no discharge of industrial
effluents in river basin/other water bodies in Ramanathapuram district.
The strategies of horticulture Department are to encourage the use of hybrid

seeds and quality planting marterial in area expansion of horticulture crops, hi-
tech cultivation, high density planting, promotion of cultivating high value
horticulture crops in protected cultivation, use of micro irrigation, pollination
support through bee keeping for enhancing the production, Integrated nutrient
management, pest and disease management, farm mechanization and improved
Post Harvest Management techniques.
12. Mineral resources
The eastern portion of the district consists of rocks formed in beds of shallow
lakes and coastal backwaters where the salt and mud brought by the rivers are
deposited. The sedimentary rocks extend into the whole of
Tiruvadanai,Ramanathapuram and Mudukulattur taluks.These ediments, mostly
of clay and sandstone, have been deposited for several million years from what
is known in types of clays geological parlance as Gondwana age, to the present
day. They contain limestones. Limestone of different grades, clays, euchres,
gypsum, graphite and limonitesands are the minerals of economic value found in
the district.
Clay:
China clay with an average thickness of 0.91 mm. occurs over an area of 2.59
sq.km in Sivaganga area. The total estimated reserve area of the order of 4.06
million tonnes upto a depth of 3.05 mm.
Garnet and ilemenite sands

The beach sands along the coast of Ramanathapuram district carry small
quantities of garnet and ilmenite ranging in length from a few meters to 8 km
and in thickness from 0.6 to 2.5 cm. The totalreserves of ilmenite and garnet are
4,165 and 1,219 tonnes respectively.
Graphite
Graphite bearing zones have been met between 3 m and 32 m at several
horizons in the boreholes. The percentage of graphite in the rock varies from
18% to 23%. The graphite bearing zone has been proved along the strike
direction for a distance of 2000 m. The total preliminary
estimated reserves are of the order of 1,80,000 tonnes of graphite bearing rock.
Gypsym
The total reserves of this area are estimated to be of 33,500 tonnes of which
about 10,000 tonnes have already been mined.
37 | P a g e
Limeshell
Sub-recent shell limestone occurs at about 0.8 km north of

Ramanathapuram.The total reserves are of the order of 81,300 tonnes.
Limestone
Three bands of good quality crystalline limestone occur in the vicinity of (1)
Pandalkudi, (2) Palavanattam and (3) Chinnayyapuram.
Major Exportable Items
1.Preserved Sea foods.

2. Coir Pith
3. Sea shell
4. Handicrafts made in palm leaf
a) Mining and Quarrying
Number of Mining and Quarrying units in the district

Sl.No. Name of the Number of Mining &
Block/Municipality Quarrying
1 Ramanathapuram --
2 Thiruppullani 8
3 Mandapam 2
4 Thiruvadanai 2
5 R.S.Mangalam --
6 Paramakudi 1
7 Bogalur --
8 Nainarkoil --
9 Muthukulathur --
10 Kadaladi --
11 Kamuthi 3
12 Rameswaram municipality --
13 Sayalkudi Townpanchayat --
14 Muthukulathur Town --
Panchayat
38 | P a g e
13. District Infrastructure
Generally power supply position in Ramanathapuram District is normal. Here

Asia’s biggest solar power plant available and itproduces 500MW.Power shortage
is not often here and all rural areas are full electrified and street lights will be
converted to solar lights sooner.Urban area street lights also will be converted to
solar lights. All houses and industries are fully electrified and farmers also
getting subsidized rate electric power.
14. National and State Schemes
MISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DRY LAND AGRICULTURE(MSDA)

The main objective of the scheme is to develop dry land agriculture by forming
1000 dry land clusters in Tamilnadu of 1000 ha. each by cultivation of Millets,
Pulses, Oil seeds and cotton.
Micro irrigation under “per drop more crop” component

Micro irrigation has emerged as a technology for sustainable agriculture and a
suitable solution to manage the fast depleting ground water sources. By
adopting this technology there is a significant impact on income with increased
productivity, uniform growth and earlier maturity. Water use efficiency is also
increased by 40%-60%.
From the year 2015-2016 the Micro irrigation scheme is operated under “Per
drop more crop” under Pradhan Mantri Keishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with a
subsidy sharing pattern of 60:40 between Central Government and State
Government.
15.Collective farming
• The government of Tamilnadu has launched an innovative scheme of

Collective farming for the benefit of small and marginal farmers during
2017-2018. In this scheme the small and marginal farmers are grouped
into Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) – (20 farmers from one FIG) and then
into Farmer producer Groups (FPGs) (5 FIGs or 100 farmers to form one
FPG by Agriculture and Horticulture Departments.
• During the financial year 2017 – 2018 in Ramanathapuram district 480
FIGs were formed in Department of Agriculture and 15 FIGs were formed
in Horticulture department.
• Seven to 10 potential FPGs in contiguous area are being federated into
and formed as a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) by Department of
Agriculture marketing and Agri
• Business in consultation with Agriculture and Horticulture departments.
Two FPOs are formed one in Kamuthi and another one in Mudhukulathur
block. The FPOs are facilitated access to fair and remunerative markets
including linking of producer groups to marketing opportunities through
market aggregators.
39 | P a g e
• During the financial year 2018 – 2019 in Ramanathapuram district 480
FIGs were formed in Department of Agriculture and 15 FIGs were formed
in Horticulture department
• The machineries purchased by the above 53 FPGs for the worth of Rs.
291.30 lakhs. In which total outlay of finance 250 lakhs released by
Agriculture department and 15 lakhs released by Horticulture department
from the State Government fund to Ramanathapuram district.
➢ Creation Farm Ponds in Patta Lands of farmers under NASBARD
RIDF .
➢ Installation Solar Pumps with 90%
➢ Solar drier with 50%/60% subsidy
➢ Distribution of Agriculture machineries & implements with 40%-
50% subsidy
➢ Formation of village level farm machineries Custom Hiring Center
with 80% subsidy (Max. subsidy Rs.8 Lakhs)
➢ Formation of block level farm machineries Custom Hiring Center
with 40% subsidy (Max. subsidy Rs.10 Lakhs)
➢ Establishment of value addition units by Farmer Producer Groups
with 75% subsidy (Max. subsidy Rs. 10 lakhs)
16.Tourism
Art and Architecture
Celebrated temples such as Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameswaram ,

Pagampiriyal Temple at Thiruvettriyur, the Siva Temple at Thiru
Uthiragosamangai are in this District.The Ramanathaswamy Temple can be
taken as one of the wonders as the corridor of this temple is 1220 Metres long
which is considered to be the most lengthiest corridor in this world.The world
famous Angkor -Thom corridor of Vishnu Temple in Cambodia comes only
second.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a Lingam to
worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Hunuman arrival was delayed, Sita
moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the main deity being
worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by
Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north of
Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam should have
precedenceover the Ramanatha in all honours.
40 | P a g e
Dr.APJ ABDUL KALAM MEMORIAL
A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, in full Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, (born
October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, India—died July 27, 2015, Shillong), Indian
scientist and politician who played a leading role in the development of India's
missile and nuclear weapons programs. He was president of India from 2002 to
2007
PAMBAN BRIDGE
Pamban Bridge is a railway bridge which connects the town of Rameswaram on
Pamban Island to mainland India. Opened on 24 February 1914, it was India's
first sea bridge, and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the
Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010.
41 | P a g e
OTHER TOURIST PLACES IN RAMANATHAPURAM
Important Tourism Spots in Ramanathapuram District
S.NO
1 Ramanathasamy Temple Rameswaram
2 Agni Theertham Rameswaram
3 Ramar & lakshman Theerthas Rameswaram
4 Viluvandi Theertham Rameswaram
5 Jada Theertham Rameswaram
6 Gandhamathana parvatham Rameswaram
7 Five faced Hanuman Temple Rameswaram
8 Kothandarmar Temple Rameswaram
9 Dhanushkodi Dhanushkodi
10 Earwadi Dharga Earwadi
11 Kanjirankulam and chitangudi bird Mudhukulathur
sanctuary
12 Karangadu ( Eco Tourism ) Palk Bay side
13 Swamy Vivekananda memorial Kundhukal
14 Ariyaman Beach Palk bay side
15 Thiru Utharakosa mangai temple Utharakosamangai
16 Navabhashanam temple Devipattinam
17 Ramalinga vilasam palace Ramanathapuram
18 Jaganathaperumal temple Tiruppullani
19 Sethukarai sea shore Sethukarai
20 Saint arulandar church Oriyur
21 Dr.Apj Abdul kalam memorial Peikarumbu
22 Pamban Bridge On the bay of Bengal sea
Source: tourism Department
Weekly 25 trains connect with rameswaram to different parts of places in india.

Daily 2 Express trains connect rameswarm with chennai and some passengers
trains connect with Madurai and Trichy. Remaining Express trains are weekly
train connect with rameswaram from all parts of india like Varanasi, Tirupati,
Bhuvaneswar etc.
a) Scope of Tourism for Project Blocks
Spiritual/Divine tourism
Ramanathapuram
ishometomanyholytemplesinthecountryandisamajortourismspot.It is also an
important religious tourism centre for Ramanathaswamy temple and aadi
jeganatha perumal The
contributionoftheservicesectorinthedistricthaswitnessedconsiderablegrowthinther
ecentyears. Around five lakh people throng into the Sivan Temple during festival
season. There is no proper guidance for the visitors except the ones given by
auto drivers. Also the accommodation and food facilities are readily available.
Here sethukarai is one of the important sea shore.
42 | P a g e
Devipattinam is an ancient coastal town and a port, located in the southern state
of Tamil Nadu. It was a flourishing sea port and a gateway to places as far as
Madurai until the early 20th century. The famous pearl belt known as the Gulf of
Mannar in the Bay of Bengal is dotted with coastal border.
Island tourism
In R.s.mangalam & Tiruvadanai blocks small islands; Appa Tivu, Nallathanni
Theevu, Shuli Tivu, Uppu Tanni Tivu, Talari Tivu and Musal Tivu. The coastal line
of Devipattinam is formed by series of small bays and finest coral reefs in
Thiruppaalaikudi we will promote that island in rural tourism concept with the
help of fishers.
Rural tourism
Ancient temples and trees create a spiritual aurain rural locations of this district.
Ragunatha perumal at Thirupulani, Navabhashanam at Devipattinam, Thiru
Utharakosa mangai temple at utharakosamangai. Nearby Utharakosa mangai
temple nearly 500 years back tree is situated.
Tourism Flow
Ramanathapuram is easily the best place for tourism in South India. In Season
period, nearly 3 lakhs tourists per day and non seasonal period nearly 3000 to
5000 thousands visit this district tourist places. Foreign tourist nearly 100 to 150
per day visit this district. Some weekly trains like Varanasi, Ohka, Bhuvaneshwar
etc connected from North India which give easier access nowadays with lot of
tourists in all part of India to reach with Rameswaram and nearby tourist places.
Fish Food Hub
Since it’s a tourism district, the promotion of Sea food hub is the value added
product and returns considerable huge profit. Based on community basis we
may promote it as sea food hub in this district.
17.Road and Rail Network
Connectivity:
Ramanathapuram district is connected by NH 49 to Madurai from Rameswaram.
East coast road is the major coastal road in east Tamilnadu which connects
Chennai, Pondicherry with Ramanathapuram in North and connects Thoothukudi,
Kanyakumari in South. This district connected well by rail road to major cities of
India through Madurai Junction. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about
125 Kms. All villages, Taluk headquarters and Block headquarters are well
connected by road with Ramanathapuram
43 | P a g e
.
115 Km of Broad gauge rail transport in the rameswaramto manamadurai
segment utilized for both passenger and goods transportation as far as road
transports nearly, 1142 km of various kinds of roads are used. The road network
in the district was well developed with 188km of National Highways, 1808.26 KM
of State Highways, 139 KM of Corporation/Municipal roads,1142.03kmof
panchayat roads
RAILWAYS
LENGTH OF RAIL LINE KMS 115.09
ROADS
(A)National Highway KMS 188.00
(B)State Highway KMS 201.00
(c) Main District KMS 139.00
Highway
Other Roads & KMS 1142.00
Rural Roads
Source:msme
Apart from Rameswaram , the places of attraction in this District are Pamban
Bridge, which connects the Island of Rameswaram to the mainland., The
Navabashanam in Devipattinam, Ship-breaking yard in Valinokkam, the Adhi
jagannatha Temple in Thiruppullani , the ruins of Dhanushkodi and Sethukkarai,
etc,. Fishing Industry is most popular in this area which forms as a livelihood to
a lot of people and earns Foreign Exchange by exporting some of the fine
varieties of sea fish. Other products such as toys, bags and mats, etc., made
from palm leaves are very beautiful and attractive and these are being exported
to all parts of the State
44 | P a g e
18. Snapshot of SWOT Analysis
Strength Weakness
1. The district has a good bio reserve 1. Low Pace of development in the
with vast biodiversity in the form nonagricultural sectors like
of flora andfauna. tourism, education and industrial
2. Availability of abundant agriculture sector
land 2. Uncertain Rainfall and lack of
3. Community involvement water availability
4. Connectivity by road and railway 3. Bad agricultural productivity due
5. Availability of Natural Gas to drought
6. Adequate basic infrastructures 4. Migration of students to other
7. Lengthiest shoreline of 237 Kms. districts
For fisheries 5. Lack of technology skills
8. Rich heritage and Abundant scope 6. Lack of cold storage
for tourism. 7. Highly influence of middlemen in
agri. Marketing
Opportunities Threats
1. Aspiration district, priority for all 1. Migration of farmers (3000 to 5000
schemes andprojects per year)
2. Export potentials (Preserved Sea 2. Alien species ProsophisJuliflora,
foods, Coir Pith, Sea shell and which reduce capacity of water
Handicrafts made in palm leaf) bodies and area under cultivation
3. High scope for food processing 3. Unprecedented natural calamities
4. Scope for FPOs, enterprises, local 4. Highly affected by storms and
employment generation cyclones formed in Bay of Bengal
5. Tourism and fisheries are
considered to a lot of potential foe
development
6. Handicrafts particularly palm based
is considered to have potential to
generate employment at large
numbers
7. Integrated textile park proposed by
SIPCOT at Manakudi village in
Tiruvadanaitalukin 90.58 Hectare
area.
8. Potentials areas for service industry
(Hydraulic Water service Station for
Four wheelers, Television Servicing,
Computer &LapTop Servicing,
Mobile Phone Servicing and
Electrical Home Appliance
servicing)
9. Potential areas for new MSMEs
(Modern rice mill, Coconut based
industries, Sea food Processing
Industries, Oleo resin spices
manufacturing units, Fish net
45 | P a g e
manufacturing Unit, Fish meal oil
manufacturing unit)
10.Location of the district on the
Eastern Coast ofthe sea line of the
country creates an opportunity to
have trade links with South East
andFar East Asian countries
besides, Japan and Philippines
46 | P a g e
19.Analysis of Scope in Project Blocks
The below figure presents the block-wise scope under the project:
47 | P a g e
MANDAPAM THIRUVADANAI R.S MANGALAM THIRUPULANI
Fishing is the major Paddy: Thiruvadanai Paddy plays the Fishing is the major
business and give is called as south major role in this business and give
the huge profit in Tamilnadu agro Zone block which the huge profit in
this block and which consumed consumes high this block and
district. Most of the high paddy cultivation for the district. In this block
peoples in this block cultivation in south block and district. they focus only on
which focus only on Tamilnadu. But But based on rainfall this fishing activities.
this fishing activities. based on rainfall the the cultivation get The scope for TNRTP
The scope for TNRTP cultivation get varied. The scope for is to promote the
is to promote the varied. The scope for TNRTP is to create fishing related
fishing related TNRTP is to create more FPOs and industries and export
industries and export more FPOs and promote rice mills in business.
business. promote rice mills in this zone because
this zone because nearly more than
more than 30,000 26,000 hec. They are
hec. They are cultivating.
cultivating.
Coconut is major Pottery is a Chilli which cropped Chilli is next
crop scope for form traditional business in moderate of this important crop for
coconut by products in this block in early block. The Scope for this block. The
company and FPO days. Due to lack in TNRTP is promote commercial market
with the average marketing and the FPOs and identify is available in this
39.7% others circumstance the logistics location block. The Scope for
the peoples not in this block. TNRTP is promote
concentrated much the FPOs and identify
in this business. The the logistics location
scope for TNRTP is to in this block.
identify the people
and provide the
training for market
promotion and
create the interest to
this business.
Seaweed plays a Cotton is a seasonal Millet is a seasonal Cotton is a seasonal
major role in this crop for this block. crop and which crop for this block.
block and have lots The scope of TNRTP cultivated in all areas The scope of TNRTP
of scope in future is to established in this block. The is to established
demand in various more FPOs and scope of TNRTP is to more FPOs and
industries like identify the end user promote towards the identify the end user
medical, cosmetics, for direct sale to get natural food for direct sale to get
micro biology more profit. production more profit.
industry and companies with
fertilizer. value added
strategies and
marketing. Millet is a
crop which available
in all seasons..
48 | P a g e
MANDAPAM THIRUVADANAI R.S MANGALAM THIRUPULANI
Jasmine is cultivated Millet is a seasonal Cotton is a seasonal Seashell which have
only in this block crop and which crop for this block. lot of scope in this
especially farmer get cultivated in all areas The scope of TNRTP block to promote in
more profit in in this block. The is to established local markets and
jasmine seedling. scope of TNRTP is to more FPOs and others countries by
Scope of TNRTP is to promote towards the identify the end user value added and
form seedling FPOs natural food for direct sale to get pricing strategy with
and Export in Inland production more profit. different handcraft.
and Outland. companies with
value added
strategies and
marketing. Millet is a
crop which available
in all seasons..
Based on Palm Leaf, Fishing is the major Fishing is the major Millet is a seasonal
they doing business and give business and give crop and which
handcrafts with the huge profit in the huge profit in cultivated in all areas
various product in this block and this block and in this block. The
this block. Nearly district. But district. But scope of TNRTP is to
550 families are migration is high in migration is high in promote towards the
involved in this RS managalam to RS managalam to natural food
handcraft. Scope of some other places in some other places in production
TNRTP is to create Tamilnadu. The Tamilnadu. The companies with
the value added and scope for TNRTP is to scope for TNRTP is to value added
promote with promote the fishing promote the fishing strategies and
marketing strategies related industries related industries marketing. Millet is a
towards the various and export business and export business crop which available
countries. to sustain the to sustain the in all seasons.
fisherman families in fisherman families in
this block. this block.
Seashell which have Pottery is a Based on Palm Leaf,
lot of scope in this traditional business they doing
block to promote in in this block in early handcrafts with
local markets and days. Due to lack in various product in
others countries by marketing and this block. Nearly
value added and others circumstance 800 families are
pricing strategy with the peoples not involved in this
different handcraft. concentrated much handcraft. Scope of
in this business. The TNRTP is to create
scope for TNRTP is to the value added and
identify the people promote with
and provide the marketing strategies
training for market towards the various
promotion and countries
create the interest to
this business.
➢ Palm leaf is one of the traditional work here. They have skills and
resources but they lack in marketing as well as value added and there is
a need to fill this gap.
49 | P a g e
➢ Millet is a crop which cultivated in all season towards the district.
Moreover 10,000 hectares millet will be cultivated from this district.
➢ Cotton doesn’t have any market for promotion and sale in this district.
➢ For chillies, two government markets are there in paramakudi and
uthirakosamangai but there is no cold storage and logistics facilities
available in any block of TNRTP.
➢ For paddy, there is a huge cultivation (nearly 1 lakhs hec.)which depends
on the seasonal rainfall. Only one or two rice mills is available in this
district.
➢ Agriculture department suggest to go with hydroponics cultivation system
in this district in future cultivation process because of soil type.
➢ Integrated farming system is going to be launched in this district at TNRTP
blocks
➢ Form groups to use fish wastage to make fertilizer and feed for poultry
because all fish wastage goes to Namakkal district.
50 | P a g e
20.Commodity Prioritization
Commodity Prioritization
S. COMMODITY
Criteria Description
No Chilly Fish Goatry Seaweed
Trend in For
number of commodities
producers which has
>100%
1 involved in large area of >100% <100% <100%
the production
commodit
y
Communit Easy In moderate One of the Mostly Kappaphyc
y Interest cultivation & rainfall and dry top most focus on us
Harvesting, soil farmers production Meat. alvarezii
Saline Soil, cultivate chilly at in the and
water large in the district Gracilaria
scarcity, Sea district next to nearly edulis are
water, Tuticorin. average of mostly
private credit 75 grown in
2 facility to thousands this
seeds and ton per district.
fertilizers, year. Nearly 150
easy access members
to market. are doing
this
activity in
the
district.
Tamil
State/Nati Tamil Nadu
NABARD. Nadu
onal State/Nation State Apex
National State Apex
Priority al National Fisheries
Mission for Fisheries
3 (Thrust Government Horticulture Co-
protein Co-
from Schemes and Mission schemes operative
supplement operative
governme Investments Federation
(NMPS) Federation
nt) Limited.
Limited.
Major share
in state
production Suitable
in every for nine
Last five years the Suitable in
year and months of
Production, production of grow goat
Comparati easily production
Favourable chilly is with dry
4 ve access to every
climatic moderately high climate and
advantage the market year.
conditions. year by year. less water
with Culture
intensive.
marginal period is
profit 45 days.
compare to
other
51 | P a g e
S. COMMODITY
Criteria Description
No Chilly Fish Goatry Seaweed
commoditie
s in the
district.
Ability to sell
High
the produce High
demand in
at a Separate market Demand in
open High
Access to remunerative is available in both Local
5 market(bot demand in
Market price- Local, Paramakudi for and
h local and overseas.
National chilly. Overseas
Overseas
&Internation market.
market)
al markets.
Food products like Food
Opportunit
Powder, paste, Food products,
y for Productivity Leathers
sauce etc. products. medicine,
Value and value- and meat
6 Paramedical Fish fertilizer,
Chain added to be
industry, food processing cosmetic
Interventi products. produced.
processing industries. production
ons
industries. .
52 | P a g e
53 | P a g e
21.Overall Opportunities in Project Blocks
Paddy,Chilly, sorghum, millets and jasmine, Coconut, Fish cultivation producers

groups can be formed. Intra departmental financial assistance may be tapped for
a massive production of agri-based products manufacturing or value
addition.25,000 hector paddy but no rice mill is here. Scope for form
producer group and rice mill enterprises.
➢ Handicrafts and Ornamental–producer interest group may be promoted
with value added because lot of families in the seashore village are
engaged with seashell based on handicrafts work.
➢ Eco- tourism may be promoted, since lot of tourist come towards these
district and lot of wastages in sea side and also clay soil which affect the
ground water.
➢ Promote Tourism Guide especially women guide because as this district
have traditional temples and lot of visiting spot like sea
shore(Dhaniskodi), Abdul kalam memorial etc. Some foreigners(women
foreigners) and North Indians (Women) are visited more nowadays in this
district.
➢ Sea weed cultivation –value chain activities may be initiated with support
of department of fisheries because it has a huge demand in inland and
foreign countries as it contains more nutrients. Seaweed which have huge
demand in fertilizer, medical and cosmetic industries.
➢ Cold storage may be promoted to fish, as this country have only 2 cold
storage and among this cold storage only Ramathapuram cold storage
only actively working. If we creates more cold storage, fish business will
improve in this district.
➢ Fishnet related business centre promoted here and as well as fish based
value chain activities may be initiated for Fish pickles and prawn pickles.
➢ Promote Hygienic dry fish centre and training unit for export for inland
and outland
➢ Promote Palm Leaf and Palm gur is needed. Palm leaf which is used for
handicraft as many of families in mandapam areas doing these activities.
➢ Jasmine initial plant sale has high scope for form producers group and
scope for start perfume unit here. In mandapam block, some villages
cultivated jasmine which have high potential demand in Salem and
Nillakottai.
➢ Scope for Chilly based company will be formed as this district producing
the huge cultivation.
➢ Promote Cage Fishing and Marine Ornamental.
➢ Arrange direct market for coconut and promote by product activity related
coconut and also choir business.
➢ Promote Prawn cultivation export yo foreign countries, especially shrimp
farming which has huge demand .
➢ Form group to use fish wastage to make fertilizer and feed for poultry
because lot fish wastages are going to namakal district.
54 | P a g e
➢ Promote Traditional business like mud pot added value chain. Some
villages they used to do traditionally few years before, but, due to lack of
marketing and promotion they stop these activities, eventually.
➢ Promote textile related activities.
22.Way Forward
Ramanathapuram district is considered as an industrially backward area as there

are no major industries in the district. Though it has a few irrigated pockets
majority of the area under cultivation is rain fed. The rainfall pattern of the
district is erratic. During failure of monsoon producers generally skip the crop or
go for cultivation of less water utilizing crops like millets and pulses. Majority of
the landholdings are owned by marginal farmers. Women are engaged as
agricultural laborers mostly in transplanting, processing and rearing of
livestock..Ramanathapuram district is deficient in rainfall. There are no major
rivers providing perennial water supply for cultivation. Paddy is main food crop
cultivated in more than 63% of the net area sown.
It has 273 km of coastal line of which 130 km in Palk bay and 140 km in Gulf of
Mannar. The Gulf of Mannar is one of the biologically richest coastal regions in
all of mainland of India with corals, seagrasses, mangroves and other important
flora and fauna. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GOMBR) was declared in
1989 as the first marine Biosphere Reserve in the country.
The island of Sri Lanka acted as a huge barrier during tsunami along with coral
reefs, mangroves and seagrasses of both Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Coral and
seagrass restoration has been done by Suganthi Deavadason Marine Research
Institute in Gulf of Mannar coast of the district.
Most of the soil type is clay (45%) followed by coastal alluvial soil (17%)
and sandy loam (15%) and there is no scope for large scale mining in the
district. It is highly drought prone because of the lack of rain and rivers.
Scope of forming FPOs for paddy, jasmine, chilly, fishing and seaweed. Also
scope for develop seaweed cultivation heavily as they lack marketing when there
is a huge demand for it across the Globe as seaweed is used in many industries.
Paddy is major cultivating one there is no rice mill here. coconut, jasmine, chilly,
millet and groundnut available so scope develop for improved cultivation with
training.
Finally, there is a huge scope to promote different enterprises with many unique
products available only in this Coastal District. When there are certain
geographical disadvantages it also gives unique opportunities for different
products .All over World, Coastal districts are reaping rewards by taking
advantage of the unique geographical position and Ramanathapuram can not be
left alone. If properly planned and executed, It could become a formidable
economic force in coming years. It will also become a catalyst for all other
districts to follow the vision and achieve the desired results. A great dream can
be finally realized for the district as well as our country.
55 | P a g e
RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT
DIAGNOSTIC REPORT
56 | P a g e

Ramanathapuram District Diagnostic Report

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RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT

1. ABOUT TNRTP ....................................................................................... 5

1. FPO 2. Farmer Producer Organisation

3. CMFRI 4. Central marine fishers research institute

5. KVK 6. Krishi Vigyan Kendra

7. MSME 8. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises

9. NABARD 10.National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

NABFIN 11.NABARD Financial services

PMKSY 12.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana

POPIs 13.Producer Organisation Promoting Institutions

SHG 14.Self Help Group

SFAC 15.Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium

TANSEDA 16.Tamilnadu State Seeds Development Agency

TNIAMP 17.Tamilnadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Project

TNAU 18.Tamilnadu Agricultural University

VPRC 19.Village Poverty Reduction Committee

TNSRLM 20.Tamilnadu state rural livehood mission

CBO 21.Community based orgainsation

PLF 22.Panchayath level federation

NGO 23.Non governmental Organisation

SHG 24.Self Help Group

SAR 25.Sodium Adsorption Ratio

FIG 26.Farmer Interest Group

RSETI 27.Rural Self employment Training Institute

Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project (TNRTP) is a world bank initiated

S.No. Name of the Block No of Panchayats

a) District Diagnostic Study

The District Diagnostic Study is envisaged to study and prioritize the

• To assess the socio-economic challenges and opportunities for the

2. About Ramnad District

Ramanathapuram district is situated in the southeast corner of Tamil Nadu

The rural economy plays an important part in the livelihoods of People as

The details of population in Ramanathapuram district as per 2011 census are

Table1. Population and Occupation details of Ramanathapuram District

1 Total Population 1353445 100

Male 682658 50.50

Female 670787 49.50

Main workers (Agriculture) 4,86,150 81

Marginal workers (Other 1,16,827 19

The district population is 13,53,445 in 2011 as against 11,87,604 in 2001. The

Population Density Sc pop % ST pop % Family

Source : Statistical Hand Book

Table 2: Ramanathapuram District Decade of Changes/Growth in

S.I Indicators 2001 2011

Ramanathapuram stands 25th in population among the districts Tamil Nadu in

80.72 % 87.81 73.52 72.96% 83.01 63.36

Figure 1 Source: Census 2011

Ramanathapuram has 33% (about 20 thousand) population engaged either in

Percentage of working population – Ramanathapuram

Sl. Census 2011

Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as Village Poverty Reduction

• Total Panchayath -429

Self Help Groups

Total 14304 208963

h) Farmer Producer Organisations in Ramnad District (FPOs)

There are 10 FPOs promoted by Agri Dept, NABARD and Resource

3 Ramnad Mundu Mudukulathur Chilly, Cotton, 1249

Sandy Clay Sandy Alluvial Sandy Coastal Red soil Total

7,328 1,82,463 22,138 43,769 63,602 71,357 18,390 4,08,957