Agriculture

Viluppuram is one of the predominant agricultural district in which 75% of population is engaged in Agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. Agriculture continues to be the predominant sector of District economy. In the total Geographical area of 722203 Ha., 45 % (i.e.) 337305 Ha. is net sown area. In net sown area, 137647 Ha. is sown more than once. The cropping intensity which refers to the ratio between gross area sown and net sown area is 1.40, which is higher than the State average of 1.25.

Viluppuram District has 5.68 Lakh farm families. In this 75% are marginal farmers, 16% belongs to small farmers and 9% are big farmers. The big farmers share of 42% which is higher than the State average 34%.

The main water source of the district are open wells and bore wells. Net irrigated area of the district is 2.43 L.Ha. This accounts 33.6% of total area and 72% of Net sown area. The major reservoirs of the district Veedur, Gomuki and Manimutha irrigates 18553 Ha. and Sathanur covers 35000 Ha. The average annual rainfall of the district is 1060 mm. In this 638 mm. received (60 %) during North East Monsoon.

Paddy is the principal crop extensively cultivated in all three seasons namely Sornavari, Samba and Navarai. Paddy accounts to 40% of the total cropped area in the district. Pulses is another important food grain crop. Blackgram is a predominant pulses crop which covers more than 80% of the total pulses area in Viluppuram District. Sugarcane is an important commercial crop in Viluppuram District supplies entire cane for 7 sugar mills located within the district and partial cane supply for 5 other sugar mills located in the neighbouring districts. Hence the district act as the sugar bowl of Tamil Nadu.

Viluppuram district shares a remarkable place in State food grain production. From 2013-14 to 2017-18, Viluppuram district stands first in food grain production. Each year Viluppuram contributes more than 10% of the State’s food production.

Viluppuram district stands first with 850 Kgs. average yield in Pulses crop production. During 2013-14 Mrs. Visalakshi, W/o.Velu, Kothamur, Vanur block received the National Krishi Karman Award from Honourable Prime Minister of India.

Farmers of this district are pioneers in adopting agricultural technologies. So Viluppuram always stands pioneer in Agricultural Production sector.

Agricultural department talently faces the challenge of attaining high growth ratio by successfully implementing various development schemes and allied technologies.

To improve the farmer’s economic situation through value added products and increased income, we are implementing schemes like, NMSA, MSDA, Collective farming, Micro Irrigation, Bio fertilizers, SSI, INM, IPM in addition to normal schemes like crop rotation and crop extention technologies.

Infrastructure facilities

Government Seed Farm at Kakuppam, Iruvelpattu, Vadakkanandhal and Vanur

The objective of the Seed Farm is, supplying the farmers quality and certified seeds by multiplying Breeder and Foundation seeds at the seed farm and supplying them to farmers through AEC for multiplying Certified Seeds in their fields as seed farms. Paddy, Groundnut, Blackgram, Greengram, Cumbu, Ragi and Gingelly seed farms are major part of seed production programme at Government Seed Farms.

Coconut Crossing Centre, Marakkanam

The objective of Coconut Crossing Centre is to supply quality Tall x Dwarf coconut seedlings to the farmers.

Liquid Bio fertilizer Lab, Mugaiyur

The objective of the Liquid Bio Fertilizer Lab is to produce biofertilizers like Azospirillum (Paddy), Azospirillum (Others), Rhizobium (Pulses), Rhizobium(Groundnut) and Posphobacteria in liquid state and supplying them to farmers and thereby increasing Soil fertility status by reducing the usage of chemical fertilizers.

Bio Control Lab, Viluppuram

Trichoderma Viridi, Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Pluerotus, Green Muscardine Fungus, Trichogramma Chilonis and NPV are the Bio-Control agents produced and distributed to the farmers. The objective of production and distribution of Bio-Control Agents is to reduce the farmers dependence on chemical pesticides there by reducing the cost of cultivation and increasing the profit.

Fertilizer Control Laboratory – Viluppuram

To make sure that the Fertilizers produced and sold in the Private dealers and PACCS are upto the standards. Samples were taken and sent to Fertilizer Control Laboratory for analysis. Based on the analysis report, Non-standard fertilizer movement is restricted.

Soil Testing Laboratory-Viluppuram

Soil Samples are taken from the farmers field (Grid System of Sampling) and sent to Soil Testing Laboratory for analysis. Based on the analytical report of the Soil Testing Laboratory, Soil health cards are generated and distributed to the farmers. The objective is to educate the farmers to go for Soil health card based chemical fertilizer application and also to control the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers that not only affect the soil health status and reduces the produce quality but also increases the cost of cultivation without any additional benefits.

Farmers Training Centre – Tindivanam

The objective of the Farmers Training Centre is to provide village level training to all the farmers for effective transfer of advanced technologies.

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)

The objective is to strengthen Research – Extension – Farmer linkages. Technology Transfer through Demonstrations, Training and Exposure visit.

Schemes

Different schemes are being implemented in our district to disseminate the advanced technologies for increasing productivity and production in all agricultural crops.

Centrally Sponsored Schemes

• National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) for Paddy, Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds, Sugarcane and Enriching Soil Fertility through Green Manure.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Pulses, Coarse Cereals, Nutri Cereals , Commercial Crops, Oilseeds, Oilpalm and Tree borne oilseeds
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) – Integrated Farming System.
• Coconut Development Board Schemes (CDB) – Coconut
• Sub Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) – Paddy, Millets, Pulses and Oilseeds – Certified Seed Distribution.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – To encourage Organic Farming
• Pradhan Manthri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Micro Irrigation in Agricultural crops.

State Schemes

• Tamil Nadu Cotton Cultivation Mission (TNCCM) – Cotton
• Mission on Sustainable Dryland Agriculture (MSDA) – Rainfed Millet, Pulses, Oilseeds and Cotton
• Collective Farming – Establishing Farmer Producer Organisations
• Seed Multiplication schemes by TANSEDA

State and Centrally Sponsored Scheme

• Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Phone Numbers of District Level Officers

For further details:

The Office of  Joint Director of Agriculture,
Master Plan Complex
Viluppuram
Landline No. 04146 222291