Horticulture in Tamilnadu

Horticulture-2/”>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.Horticulture in Tamilnadu

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-2/”>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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Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental Plants. It is a branch of agriculture that deals with the production and harvesting of these crops. Horticulture is a diverse field that includes many different sub-disciplines, such as floriculture, olericulture, fruit culture, Plantation Crops, mushroom cultivation, vegetable cultivation, seed production, nursery management, post-harvest management, marketing, extension Services, research, training, development of new varieties, integrated pest management, Soil and water management, plant protection, agronomy, economics of horticulture, socio-economic aspects of horticulture, environmental aspects of horticulture, policy aspects of horticulture, and history of horticulture.

Horticulture is an important part of the agricultural economy in Tamilnadu. The state is a major producer of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Horticulture contributes significantly to the state’s GDP and provides EMPLOYMENT to millions of people.

The Climate of Tamilnadu is ideal for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. The state has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid summer and a cool and dry winter. The average temperature in Tamilnadu ranges from 25°C to 35°C. The state receives an average annual rainfall of 700-800 mm.

The soil in Tamilnadu is also ideal for the cultivation of horticultural crops. The state has a variety of Soil Types, including black soil, red soil, and laterite soil. These soil types are well-drained and have good fertility.

The government of Tamilnadu has been promoting horticulture as a major economic activity. The state has set up a number of institutions and schemes to support the development of horticulture. These institutions include the Tamil Nadu Horticultural University, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and the Tamil Nadu State Horticultural Mission. The State Government also provides subsidies and other financial assistance to farmers who cultivate horticultural crops.

Horticulture is a promising sector for the future of Tamilnadu. The state has the potential to become a major producer of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. The government of Tamilnadu is committed to promoting the development of horticulture and has taken a number of steps to support the sector. With the right policies and support, horticulture can play a major role in the Economic Development of Tamilnadu.

Here are some of the benefits of horticulture:

  • Horticulture provides employment to millions of people.
  • Horticulture contributes significantly to the state’s GDP.
  • Horticulture helps to improve the Quality Of Life of farmers.
  • Horticulture helps to conserve the Environment.
  • Horticulture helps to promote Sustainable Development.

Here are some of the challenges of horticulture:

  • Lack of awareness about the benefits of horticulture.
  • Lack of access to quality inputs.
  • Lack of access to markets.
  • Lack of support from the government.
  • Lack of research and development in the field of horticulture.

Despite the challenges, horticulture is a promising sector for the future of Tamilnadu. The state has the potential to become a major producer of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. The government of Tamilnadu is committed to promoting the development of horticulture and has taken a number of steps to support the sector. With the right policies and support, horticulture can play a major role in the economic development of Tamilnadu.

What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating plants, including the process of growing and harvesting fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.

What are the different types of horticulture?
There are many different types of horticulture, including:
* Fruit and vegetable horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
* Ornamental horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the cultivation of flowers and other ornamental plants.
* Landscape horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the design and maintenance of landscapes.
* Nursery horticulture: This type of horticulture focuses on the production and sale of plants.

What are the benefits of horticulture?
There are many benefits to horticulture, including:
* It provides fresh, healthy food. Horticulture can provide us with fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
* It can be a Source Of Income. Horticulture can be a source of income for farmers, growers, and landscapers.
* It can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment. Horticulture can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby.
* It can improve our Health and well-being. Horticulture has been shown to improve our physical and mental health.

What are the challenges of horticulture?
There are some challenges to horticulture, including:
* It can be labor-intensive. Horticulture can be a labor-intensive activity, especially if you are growing your own food.
* It can be expensive. Horticulture can be an expensive hobby or business, especially if you are buying expensive plants or equipment.
* It can be time-consuming. Horticulture can be a time-consuming activity, especially if you are growing your own food.
* It can be difficult to control pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can be a major challenge for horticulturists.

What are some tips for getting started in horticulture?
If you are interested in getting started in horticulture, here are a few tips:
* Start small. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with a small garden or a few plants and gradually increase the size of your operation as you gain experience.
* Do your research. Read books and articles about horticulture and talk to experienced horticulturists.
* Start with easy-to-grow plants. Don’t start with difficult-to-grow plants until you have gained some experience.
* Be patient. Horticulture takes time and patience. Don’t expect to see results overnight.
* Have fun! Horticulture should be enjoyable. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing something wrong.

  1. Which of the following is not a type of horticulture?
    (A) Floriculture
    (B) Olericulture
    (C) Pomiculture
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  2. Which of the following is not a benefit of horticulture?
    (A) It provides food and fiber.
    (B) It helps to improve the environment.
    (C) It can be a source of income.
    (D) It can be a hobby.

  3. Which of the following is not a challenge facing horticulture?
    (A) Pests and diseases
    (B) Climate Change
    (C) Water scarcity
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  4. Which of the following is not a way to improve horticulture?
    (A) Research and development
    (B) Education and training
    (C) Extension services
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  5. Which of the following is not a goal of horticulture?
    (A) To increase food production
    (B) To improve the environment
    (C) To create jobs
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  6. Which of the following is not a product of horticulture?
    (A) Fruits
    (B) Vegetables
    (C) Flowers
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  7. Which of the following is not a tool used in horticulture?
    (A) Shovel
    (B) Hoe
    (C) Rake
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  8. Which of the following is not a method of irrigation used in horticulture?
    (A) Drip Irrigation
    (B) Sprinkler Irrigation
    (C) Flood irrigation
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  9. Which of the following is not a type of pest that can affect horticulture?
    (A) Insects
    (B) Diseases
    (C) Weeds
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu

  10. Which of the following is not a type of disease that can affect horticulture?
    (A) Viruses
    (B) Bacteria
    (C) Fungi
    (D) Horticulture in Tamilnadu