Horticulture in Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu state is situated at the South-eastern extremity of the Indian peninsula and comprises 30 districts (including Chennai) .
The state can be divided into seven agro climatic zones viz., Western, Southern, North Eastern, North Western, Delta, High Rainfall, and Hilly and Tribal zones. Tamil Nadu has a rich diversity of horticultural crops viz., tropical, subtropical and temperate crops due to the presence of seven agro ecological regions each having a unique microclimate suitable for select crops. Moreover, there are areas with temperate climate (above 2000m), subtropical climate (1000 – 2000m), humid tropical climate (500- 1000m) and tropical climate (upto 500 m) thereby making it possible for the production of various horticultural crops. Nearness to the equator and the presence of long stretch of Western Ghats, discontinuous Eastern Ghats and presence of hills and hillocks in the plains help moderation of climate to ensure the required temperature for growing different kinds of horticultural crops.
Agriculture contributes 12% of the State GDP, while the share of Horticulture to State GDP is estimated at 3.5%. The net sown area is 36% of the total Geographic area (National average of 46%). The Gross cropped area is 53.2 lakh ha with a cropping intensity of 119. Irrigation covers 46% of the cropped area and the remaining 54% is rain fed. The area under Horticulture is 8.24 lakh Ha (15.5% of the total cultivable area in the State), with an annual production of 99.47 lakh tones.
Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly 6% of the area under fruits and 4% of the area under vegetables in the country. In terms of production, the State’s share is nearly 10% in fruits and 6% in vegetables. Tamil Nadu is also a leading state in production of flowers.
The state ranks first in the production of flowers and tapioca, second in the production of mango and third in the production of Sapota.
Production of various Horticultural crops
Fruits
Mango and Banana are the leading fruit crops in Tamil Nadu accounting for over 84% of the area under fruit and over 87% of the total fruit production. Off-season production of mango and round the year production of grapes is unique to Tamil Nadu.
Vegetables
The main vegetables grown in Tamil Nadu are Tapioca, Tomato, Onion, Brinjal and Drumstick. These account for over 85% of the total area as well as the production of vegetables.
Spices
The main spices grown are Chillies, Coriander, Tamarind, Turmeric and Curry leaves
Flowers
The main flowers grown in Tamil Nadu are Jasmine, Mullai, Chrysanthemum, Marigold and Rose
Horticultural crops being perishable in nature are subject to post harvest losses. Factors like respiration, ethylene production, evaporation, temperature and relative humidity affects the keeping quality of these products. Post harvest facilities from production linking to the market and consumption points help in the reduction of losses due to wastage. The existing market infrastructure in post harvest facilities like cold storage and the avenues for sale in terms of market and mandi linkages are discussed in detail in this chapter. Agri Export Zones (AEZs) are promoted with the objective of promoting exports of agricultural produce from selected areas of productivity prominence, while food parks provide an opportunity of increasing processing capabilities in the state. The AEZs and the Food Parks are two important linkage points which helps in absorption of Fruits and Vegetables for further value addition.
Food Parks
Indian Food Park
The food park is a private sector unit situated at Palavanatham (Virudhunagar) has an area of 68 acres of land, with a pilot plant for food processing, four cold storage units and a quality control lab. There is potential for processing of Chilli, Coriander, Turmeric and Tamarind which is yet to be exploited.
Nilakottai Food park (Dindigul Dist)
Facilities like pack house, fruits and vegetables dehydration unit and fruits and vegetables processing unit are proposed
AEZs
AEZ for Mango :
Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Infrastructure facilities such as refrigeration equipment, insulated panels, washing, treatment and grading line, ripening chambers, pack house, pickle unit have been established.
Cashew AEZ :
Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Sivaganga In the AEZ activities like Specialized Nursery, Demonstration plot and Extension Service would be undertaken. A Cashew juice concentration unit, Cashew processing units, Cold Storage, Godown and Lab facilities will also be created.
AEZ Cut flowers :
Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri 20 cut flower units are currently operating within this AEZ with focus on fresh cut roses, gerbera, carnation etc., Approximately 50 hectares of area is under production of these cut flowers.
AEZ for Flowers :
Nilgiris An AEZ for Flowers at a cost Rs.15.89 crores has been established at the Nilgiris. Facilities such as packhouses, information centres, cold storage, model floriculture units are being set up.
Farmers have organized themselves into crop based associations like Adhiaman Precision Farmers Association, Grape Growers Association, Mango Growers federation etc to take up organized cultivation and marketing of the produce. Similarly the banana growers associations (12 in Tamil Nadu) have formed a federation to link the banana production to the export market. Such farmers associations need to be supported for maximizing the productivity and ensure sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The farmer associations are planning to brand the produce as TAN MANGO / TAN BANANA and market the same in the domestic and international markets (on the lines of Mahagrape and Mahabanana in Maharashtra).
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