Impressive Growth in Agricultural Output
Tamil Nadu’s Growth in Agriculture, Dairy, and Fisheries Sectors (2021–2024): From 2021 to 2024, Tamil Nadu registered an impressive average agricultural growth rate of 5.66%, a substantial improvement compared to the 1.36% growth recorded between 2012–13 and 2020–21.This growth trajectory reflects the state’s sustained investment in rural development and cultivation practices.
Irrigation and Crop Productivity Boost
The irrigated land area expanded from 36.07 lakh hectares in 2020–21 to 38.33 lakh hectares by 2023–24. Tamil Nadu emerged as a national leader in finger millet (ragi) and guava productivity, while it secured the second rank in outputs of maize, sugarcane, tamarind, tapioca, jasmine, and oilseeds.
Reviving Fallow Land and Machinery Support
Under the Kalaignar All Village Integrated Agricultural Development Scheme, nearly 47,286 acres of previously unused land were brought under cultivation in 10,187 village panchayats. Under the Agricultural Mechanisation programme, modern equipment worth ₹499.45 crore was provided to 62,820 farmers with subsidy support. The e-vaadagai mobile service also helped 69,000 farmers access newly procured 1,652 farm machines.
Infrastructure and Dairy Sector Expansion
To improve irrigation infrastructure, the government renovated 900+ water tanks across 27 districts at a cost of ₹1,212 crore. Additionally, 814 minor tanks were upgraded, and 88 check dams were built in 24 districts. These interventions played a crucial role in stabilizing water availability for farming.
Dairy and Egg Production Surges
Tamil Nadu’s milk production increased from 8,362 metric tonnes in 2018–19 to 10,808 metric tonnes in 2023–24, reflecting steady growth in the dairy sector. Simultaneously, annual egg production grew from a revenue of ₹1,884.22 crore to ₹2,233.25 crore, showcasing the dairy sector’s rising contribution to rural incomes.
Fisheries Sector Advancements
In a major development, 72 new fish landing centres were constructed with an investment of ₹1,428 crore, boosting infrastructure and livelihood opportunities for the coastal population involved in the fisheries sector.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Category | Key Achievements |
| Avg. Agricultural Growth (2021–24) | 5.66% |
| Irrigated Area (2023–24) | 38.33 lakh hectares |
| Top Productivity Crops | Finger millet (ragi), Guava |
| Second Rank Crops | Maize, Sugarcane, Tamarind, Tapioca, Jasmine, Oilseeds |
| Kalaignar Scheme Impact | 47,286 acres cultivated in 10,187 villages |
| Mechanisation Support (₹) | ₹499.45 crore worth machinery to 62,820 farmers |
| e-Vaadagai Beneficiaries | 69,000 farmers, 1,652 machines |
| Water Tanks Renovated | 900+ tanks, 814 minor tanks, 88 check dams |
| Milk Production (2023–24) | 10,808 metric tonnes |
| Egg Production Revenue (2023–24) | ₹2,233.25 crore |
| Fisheries Infrastructure | 72 fish landing centres; ₹1,428 crore investment |
