Tamil Nadu is one of the high ranking
States in the country in terms of economic advancement and industrial
development. It is, in fact, the third largest contributor to India's GDP. Its diverse economy
encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a
wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. The contribution
of the primary sector to the State’s Gross Domestic Product as well as the
proportion of the labour force employed in agriculture, have been steadily
declining over the years. Yet the State continues to be a major producer of a
variety of crops, particularly rice. The other principal food crops are Maize,
Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, and pulses. The cash crops include cotton, sugarcane,
coconut, oilseeds, chilies, coffee, tea and rubber. Agriculture continues to be
a key sector in the economic development of the State as it is the main
livelihood provider to about two-fifths of the population of Tamil Nadu,
especially to the barely endowed rural people. Tamil Nadu is also one of the
leaders in livestock, poultry and fisheries production in the country.
