The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : It is a prominent rainfed agricultural hub

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Thursday, Feb 28, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

It is a prominent rainfed agricultural hub

Kovilpatti is one of the prominent rainfed agriculture hubs in the district, ever since Tuticorin was carved out of Tirunelvei district in 1986.

Kovilpatti plain along with Tamiraparani plain, Chittar plain and Tiruchendur coast constitutes major physiographic sub-divisions.

Overall, of the total geographical area of 4,59, 016 hectares in the district, cropped area stands at 1,75,000 ha with cropping intensity of 108.7 per cent.

The net irrigated area is 42,263 ha with irrigation intensity of 114 percent. The Tamiraparani is the perennial water source, providing drinking water and irrigating about 19,000 ha through 52 system tanks.

The average annual rainfall is 710.3 mm based on the calculations for the last three years. The district falls under Zone-XI in the agro-climatic zonal planning exercise of the Planning Commission.

The potential linked credit plan prepared by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development envisages a credit flow of Rs.1,751.6 crore during 2008-09 fiscal.

The plan was prepared after taking into consideration thrust areas identified for development and strengths and weaknesses of the financing institutions.

Sector-wise, OPS (other priority sector) takes a major share of Rs.871.5 crore, followed by non-farm sector at Rs.457.64 crore, crop loan sector at Rs.277.98 crore and agri-allied activities at Rs 144.48 crore.

During the last three years, a major share in the flow of credit has been contributed by commercial banks.

R. Vimal Kumar

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