Geography - Page 11 of 13

Types of forest in Tamilnadu Tnpsc

Forest in Tamil Nadu

In Tamilnadu, the forest into divided into three major groups as per the temperature. They are Tropical Forest, Montane Subtropical forest, and Montane Temperate Forest.

These are further divided based on moisture and physio-gnomic variations.

Tropical Evergreen Forest

The tropical evergreen forest is found in the regions which receive heavy rainfall. It is found in the upper slopes of Western Ghats of Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore districts.

The major tree species of this forest are cinnamon, Malabar ironwood, panasa, java plum/Jamun, jack, kindal, ayani, and crape myrtle.

The semi-evergreen type of forest is found over the regions of sub-tropical climate over the Eastern Ghats.

The famous regions are Servarayan, Kollimalai, and Pachaimalai. Species of Indian mahogany, monkey teak, woolly cassia, jack, and mango trees are common in this region.

Montane Temperate Forest

Montane Temperate Forest is found in the sheltered valleys of Anaimalai, Nilgiris, and Palani Hills over a 1000 metres altitude.

These are known as ‘Sholas‘. The tree in these forests are evergreen and are usually short. Nilgiri Champa, wights litsea, and rose apple are the common trees found in this forest.

Tropical Deciduous Forest

This type of forest lies in the margin of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. The trees in this forest shed their leaves during the dry season.

The trees reach up to a height of 30 metres. Some trees of this forest are silk cotton, kapok, kadamba, dog teak, woman’s tounge, axlewood, and siris.

Bamboos are also common in this type of forest. Some trees of this forest are economically important.

Mangroves

This type of forest is found in the coastal areas, river deltas, tails of islands, and overseas faces where accretion is in progress. The vegetation is typically evergreen, moderate in height, and has leathery leaves.

The vegetation of this forest is adapted to survive in tidal mud and saltwater. Asiatic mangrove, white mangrove, wild jasmine/Indian pivot, etc. are some of the notable trees of this forest.

Pichavaram, Vedaranyam, Muthupet, Chatram, and Thoothukudi are the places in Tamil Nadu where the mangrove forest is found to a considerable extent.

Role of Mangroves in Coastal Zone Management

Mangroves help in the prevention of coastal erosion from waves and storms. It also protects coral reefs and seagrass meadows from being smothered in sediments.

Pichavaram mangrove forest is located near Chidambaram, Cuddalore district. This is the second-largest mangrove forest in the world covering about 1,100 hectares (11 sq. km) of area.

It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandbar and consists of species like Avicennia and Rhizophora.

It also supports the existence of rare varieties of shell and finishes.

Tropical Thorn Forest

Thorn forest in Tamil Nadu is found where there is little rainfall. These forests are found from plains up to 400 meters altitude.

The common trees of this forest are rusty acacia, wheel, neem, and palm. Shrubs are common vegetation in this type of forest.

This type of forest is found in the districts of Dharmapuri, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, and some parts of the interior districts.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu has a wide variety of wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Its hills hold an ideal place for elephants, bison, tigers, deers, and monkeys.

Types of soil found in Tamil Nadu and its district wise Distribution Tnpsc

Types of soil found in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu state is located in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent. It consists of several hills, plateaus, rivers,s and several types of soils. Types of soil are based on their physiography, such as hills, plateaus, coastal lines, rivers, etc.

Also, the soil of a place depends on factors like climate, parent rocks, and vegetative cover of the respective places.

As Tamil Nadu heavily depends on agriculture and its allied industry, it is important to study the soils, their nature, and distribution for better administration.

Types of soil found in Tamilnadu — Types of soil in Tamil Nadu Map

Types of Soil in Tamil Nadu

Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, and Saline Soil

The Tamilnadu Agriculture University classifies primarily 4 Types of soil present in Tamilnadu, they are

Red soils (62 per cent)
Black soils (12 per cent)
Laterite soils (3 per cent) and
Coastal soils (7 per cent)

Alluvial Soil

Alluvial soils are formed by the deposition of silt by the rivers. It is most fertile as it is rich in minerals such as lime, potassium, magnesium, nitrogen, and phosphoric acid, but it is deficient in nitrogen and phosphoric acid.

It is porous and loamy. The supported crops are Paddy, sugarcane, banana, and turmeric. Basically, it is found along the river valleys and coastal plains of Tamil Nadu.

It is found in the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari, and along the river valleys in a few interior districts.

The Tamil Nadu Agriculture University site did not mention the alluvial soil percentage, but it should be somewhere around 3 to 6%.

Black Soil

Black soil is formed by the weathering of igneous rocks. It is also called Regur Soil. This is developed over the Deccan lava granite region under semiarid conditions.

It is fine-textured and clayey in nature; it is poor in phosphoric acid, nitrogen, and organic matter. The main minerals found in this soil are calcium, magnesium, carbonates, potash, and lime.

As cotton grows well in it, it is also called black cotton soil. The major crops cultivated in it are Cotton, sorghum, cumbu, and fodder crops.

Also, it is one of the important types of soil found in Tamil Nadu as it occupies 12% of the total soil. It is distributed across the districts of Coimbatore, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi.

Red Soil

Red soils cover over two-thirds of the total area of Tamil Nadu. It is found mostly in the central districts of the state. It is sandy and loamy in texture. However, the characteristics of red soils change based on their formation and the climatic conditions under which it is formed.

It is porous, friable, and non-retentive to moisture. It is red in colour due to the presence of a high concentration of Iron oxides.

It is poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, acidic and humus. Almost all the crops can be cultivated in it with the application of manure and irrigation facilities.

It is the most important type of soil found in Tamil Nadu, as it is present in 62% of Tamil Nadu. It is distributed in the districts of Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, etc.

The crops grown in it are Paddy, Ragi, Tobacco, and Vegetables.

Laterite Soil

Laterite is derived from the Latin word ‘Later’, which means brick. This develops in areas where the temperature is high and there is high rainfall. It is formed by the process of intense leaching.

As the rain washes away the lime and silica, it is left with Iron oxide and aluminium compounds.

Also, its humus content is removed quickly by bacteria that thrive well in high temperatures. As a result, these are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium.

But it has excess Iron oxide and potash. Hence, it is not suitable for agriculture. But by using manure and fertilisers, cultivation can be made.

It supports paddy, ginger, pepper, cashew nuts, and plantains. Also, it is suitable for the cultivation of tea and coffee plants. Also, it is widely used to cut bricks for construction.

It is found in some parts of the Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Thanjavur districts. Also in the mountainous region of the Nilgiris.

Saline Soil

It contains a large proportion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium; as a result, they are infertile and do not support vegetative growth. Also, it lacks nitrogen and calcium.

Because of poor drainage and a dry climate, they have more salt. Its nature ranges from sandy to loamy.

Seawater intrusion in deltas promotes saline soils. Also, in the area that promotes intensive agriculture using intensive irrigation, saline soil is formed due to capillary action that brings salts to the top.

To solve the problem of salinity, the farmer is advised to use Gypsum in the soil.

These are confined to the Coromandel coast. Saline soils in Tamil Nadu are confined to the Coromandel coast. Vedaranyam has a pocket of saline soil.

However, the tsunami waves on December 26, 2004, brought a lot of sand and deposited it all along the east coast of Tamil Nadu. The tsunami made the coastal areas unsuitable for cultivation to a considerable extent.

Soil Erosion

It is a non-renewable resource, and it is very difficult to replace the soil once it is degraded or washed away.

The factors responsible for erosion are deforestation, overgrazing, urbanisation, and heavy rains and floods.

The problem with soil erosion is affecting the natural vegetation, the rate of ecological succession, and agricultural productivity.

As of now, the Desertification of Tamil Nadu is a major problem. According to the desertification atlas prepared by the ISRO, about 12% of the total geographical area is under desertification and land degradation.

Theni, the Nilgiris, and Kanyakumari are the worst-affected districts where about 12,000 hectares (120 Sq.km) were affected by sand deposition in Theni and Rajapalayam.

Reference

https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/agri_soilgroups.html

Seasons in Tamil Nadu with Months (Including Autumn Season in Tamil Nadu)

Autumn season in Tamil is called “இலையுதிர் காலம்”. It occurs between September and October and is one of the six traditional seasons observed in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu lies to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, which is near the Equator. It receives vertical Sun rays, and the temperature is relatively high throughout the year. The east coast of Tamil Nadu enjoys a tropical maritime climate, and the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean influence the climate of the coastal regions.

Tamil Nadu’s climate is relatively hot, and its annual temperature ranges from 18 to 43 degrees Celsius, and its annual rainfall is about 958.5 mm.

The East Coast experiences a tropical maritime climate, and the western region has a mountainous climate. The mountainous climate prevails over the Blue Mountains, Anaimalai, and Kodaikanal Hills. These areas have cool and pleasant climates due to thick forests and high altitudes.

“Please check the seasonal fruits in Tamil Nadu with the months“

In the central part of Tamil Nadu, the high temperature is due to the low altitude and distance from the sea. This is the region of climatic variation that exhibits the influence of the coastal and the interior location.

The migration of vertical sun’s rays leads to the formation of different seasons in Tamil Nadu as follows.

Autumn season in Tamil Nadu

The Autumn season in Tamil Nadu starts from September to October. There will be rainy days at the beginning of September, and also there will be bright, hot sunshine. As a result of mild showers, the temperature is down a little bit and paves the way for a cooler winter in the coming months.

This is the best time for tourists to visit Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu’s autumn may not be like Europe and the US.

S.No.	Geographical Locations	Weather Recording Stations	Summer Season (°C)	Winter Season (°C)	Rainy Season (°C)
1	Coastal Regions	Chennai	40°C	22°C	25°C
2	Interior Plains	Vellore	42°C	21°C	22°C
3	Inland Regions	Thiruchirappalli	42°C	20°C	23°C
4	Hilly Regions	Kodaikanal	11°C	6°C	14°C
5	Plateau	Coimbatore	32°C	26°C	21°C

Table: Region-wise seasonal average temperature

Winter Season

Tamil Nadu’s climate during Winter is not the same as Temperate regions like Europe, Northern America, etc. There is no snowfall, just a reduction in temperature. In Tamil Nadu, the winter season comes during January and February. It is due to vertical rays of the Sun falling between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator. Thus, India and Tamil Nadu receive slanting Sun rays.

There is less difference between Summer and Winter. The weather is slightly cooler, and the temperature is not very high. The temperature during the winter varies from 15°C to 25°C. However, the Hill station in Tamil Nadu experiences below 5°C occasionally, and also some valleys in the Nilgiris recorded even 0°C. This drop in temperature leads to the formation of thick mist and frost, and the winter season in Tamil Nadu is practically dry.

Summer Season

The temperature of the state starts increasing in the second week of February and gradually increases in the months of March to June. The part of the summer season is known as Agni Nakshatram (Star of Fire) or Kathiri veyyil.

The apparent migration of the sun towards the north during March, April, and May result in the reception of vertical sun rays by South India. Thus, in the summer season in Tamil Nadu, there is a steady rise in temperature from the equator. Hence, Tamil Nadu, located to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, experiences high temperatures.

Generally, the temperature varies from 30°C to more than 40°C. During this season, particularly in the month of May, the southern part of the state receives some rainfall from pre-monsoon showers (Mango/Blossom showers) and some parts experience convectional rainfall.

Southwest Monsoon

The intense heating of the landmass of the north by the sun during March to May creates a well-developed low-pressure system in North India, which draws wind from the Indian Ocean. This results in the formation of the southwest monsoon.

During this Southwest Monsoon season, Tamil Nadu is located in the rain shadow region for the wind, which blows from the Arabian Sea. As a result, Tamil Nadu receives only a meagre rainfall from this monsoon. Rainfall during this season decreases from west to east. Coimbatore plateau receives an average of 50 cm of rainfall.

However, the southern districts like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and The Nilgiris record 50–100 cm of rainfall during this period. The rainfall is scanty in the eastern part of the state.

Seasons	Tamil Name	Tamil Month
Summer (April to August)	Ilavenil Muduvenil	Chitirai, Vaikasi, Aani, Aadi
Rainy (August to December)	Khar season, Khulir	Avani, Puratasi, Iypasi, Karthigai
Winter (December to April)	Mun Pani, Pin pani	Markhazhi, Thai, Masi and Panguni

Northeast Monsoon

The northeast monsoon season begins in October and lasts until mid-December. The high pressure created over Central Asia and the northern part of India becomes the source for the northeast monsoon winds. The apparent migration of the sun from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn causes a change in receiving temperature and air pressure during this season.

Sl. No	Distribution of Rainfall	Amount of Rainfall	Districts
1	Very Low Rainfall	Below 800 mm	Coimbatore, Tiruppur
2	Low Rainfall	800 mm – 1000 mm	Namakkal, Karur, Thoothukudi, Erode, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Thiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Krishnagiri
3	Moderate Rainfall	1000 mm – 1200 mm	Pudukkottai, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Thanjavur, Salem, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Theni, Vellore
4	High Rainfall	1200 mm – 1400 mm	Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamalai, Kanyakumari
5	Very High Rainfall	Above 1400 mm	Kancheepuram, Chennai, Villupuram, Thiruvallur, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Nilgiris

Rainfall Distribution in Tamil Nadu District-wise (with Data)

It makes the wind blow towards the Bay of Bengal from North India. After reaching the Bay of Bengal, the wind gets deflected by the Coriolis force and takes the northeast direction. Hence, it is known as the northeast monsoon. As the northeast monsoon is a part of the returning southwest monsoon wind, it is also called the retreating monsoon.

This is the main rainy season for Tamil Nadu, accounting for 48% of annual rainfall. Coastal districts of the state get nearly 60% of their annual rainfall, and the interior districts get about 40–50% of the annual rainfall during this season.

Tropical cyclones are common during this season. Cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal bring heavy rainfall to the eastern coastal regions of Tamil Nadu. More than 50% of the state’s rainfall is received from tropical cyclones during this period, and the east coastal region receives 100 to 200 cm of rainfall.

The rainfall received by the central and northwestern parts is 50–100 cm. Cyclones sometimes disrupt crop cultivation and cause severe damage to life and property.

Please find the summary of the above post in the

Season	Tamil Name	Months	Climate
Autumn	இலையுதிர் காலம்	September – October	Mild showers, slightly reduced temperature, mix of rain and sunshine; transition to cooler season
Winter	குளிர் காலம்	January – February	Cool and dry climate; temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C; mist and frost in hill areas
Summer	கோடை காலம்	March – May	Hot and dry; temperatures from 30°C to above 40°C; occasional pre-monsoon showers
Southwest Monsoon	தென்மேற்கு பருவமழை	Low rainfall due to the rain shadow effect; moderate rainfall in western and southern regions	Main rainy season; heavy rainfall, cyclones are common; coastal regions receive high rainfall
Northeast Monsoon	வடகிழக்கு பருவமழை	October – December	Main rainy season; heavy rainfall, cyclones common; coastal regions receive high rainfall

References

https://environment.tn.gov.in/assets/report/CCM%20Document.pdf

Blossom showers in India UPSC

Blossom showers in India

Blossom shower or Mango shower is a colloquial term that describes pre-monsoon rainfall. These rains are also called April rains or Summer Showers.

These rains fall across South and Southeast Asia such as India, Cambodia, etc. In India, these rains have significant effects like affecting the growth of Mangoes and Coffee. Usually, this rain occurs from March to April.

In India, it occurs as the result of thunderstorm development over the Bay of Bengal. The other names of this shower are Kaal Baisakhi in Bengal, Bordoisila in Assam, and Cherry Blossom Showers or Coffee Shower in Kerala.

Mango Showers

This shower helps in the ripening of mangoes and is hence called Mango Showers.

The Mango showers are experienced prior to the regular monsoon. It is common in parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. These showers are difficult to predict by the meteorological department.

This rainfall is a conventional type of rainfall that is less effective for crops. This is because of intense drainage, the water has a low capacity to percolate the soil.

The Mango growers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu will worry if there is long dry weather during this season, as it might affect their harvest of Mango Fruit.

If there is deficient rainfall during March and April, the Mango harvest might get affected in the Urban and rule district of Karnataka around the Bangalore region, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu area nearer to Karnataka.

The mango showers in these regions are around 70mm in April. These regions are famous for mango varieties such as Alphonso, Mallika, Baneshah, Raspuri, Totapuri, Badami, Sendhoora, etc.

Also, this will down the Mango output by at least 25%, as the Mangoes will drop prematurely from the trees. The droop of mangoes from these prematurely is due to the low moisture content in the soil that makes the trees wilt.

Also, the roots of mango trees do not go deep into the soil and as a result, the trees cannot tap water from the below water table.

These pre-monsoon showers in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu that help the ripening of mangoes are called Mango Showers.

Cherry Blossom or Coffee Shower

Coffee Showers in India — **Coffee Shower**s in India By Abdulla Al Muhairi – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12186904

It is also called Cherry Blossom or Coffee Shower in Karnataka. It is a local wind that blows in the interior of Karnataka in the hot weather season and this shower is good for coffee cultivation.

This shower is the one that gives a superior taste of the coffee from Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka. The other regions that benefit from the showers are Chikmagaluru, Hassam, and Wayanad. These regions are known to grow the best variety of Coffee, known as Robusta.

These pre-monsoon showers known as Coffee showers are good for the blossoming of the floral buds of the Coffee plant. Also, the Coffee shower is essential and its delay causes harm to the coffee crop’s quality.

Kalbaisakhi

Kalbaisakhi is a dreaded evening thunderstorm that occurs in West Bengal and Assam. These showers are useful for the cultivation of tea, jute, and rice cultivation. This thunderstorm is called Kalbaisakhi as it occurs in the month of Baisakh, referred to as the month of calamity.

Kalbaisakhi in Assam is referred to as Bardoli Chheerha.

Loo

It is a hot and dry wind, with dust that blows regularly over the plains of North-West India. These winds are oppressive in nature. This blows in the northwestern plains from Punjab to Bihar.

Also between Delhi to Patna.

FAQ

Pre-monsoon rainfall is called in Karnataka?

Pre-monsoon rainfall in Karnataka is known as Mango Showers.

2. Mango shower in which state?

Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Downloads

1.Mango showers in India upsc pdf

2.Mango Shower, Blossom Shower, Nor Westers, Loo upsc pdf

Major tribes in Tamil Nadu

Tribal people are concentrated mainly in the Nilgiris district. Major Tribes in Tamil Nadu are Kodas, Thodas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Badagas, Kattunayakan and Paliyan. They form larger groups and mainly have pastoral work. The tribal population in Tamil Nadu, as per the 2011 census, is 7,94,697.

Tamil Nadu has 38 tribes and sub-tribes. These people depend mainly on forest lands and agriculture.

Toda

Men from these tribes are occupied in Milking and grazing with buffalo. Toda’s settlement is known as Munds. These people do not worship any god, and their consciousness is cosmic. Toda live in Nilgiris. The Toda tribe is a small pastoral community that lives on the isolated Nilgiri Plateau of Southern India. They are one of the oldest and most unique tribes in India, with a rich culture and history.

The Toda are traditionally buffalo herders, and their culture revolves around the buffalo. They have a deep understanding of buffalo husbandry and produce a variety of dairy products, including milk, yoghurt, and butter. The Toda also uses buffalo dung as fuel and fertiliser.

The Toda live in small settlements called munds, which are typically located on hill slopes. Their houses are made of bamboo and thatch and have a distinctive half-barrel shape.

The Toda are a matriarchal society, and women play a key role in all aspects of community life. They are responsible for milking the buffaloes, making dairy products, and managing the household finances. Men are responsible for herding the buffalo and performing religious rituals.

The Toda have a rich oral tradition, and their songs, stories, and poems are an important part of their culture. They also have a unique system of writing, which is based on symbols and geometric patterns.

The Toda are a close-knit community, and they have a strong sense of identity. They are proud of their culture and heritage, and they are committed to preserving their traditional way of life.

The Toda tribe is a valuable part of India’s cultural heritage, and their unique way of life is a reminder of the country’s rich diversity.

Badaga

They belong to the backward class and are not classified as Tribal. Badaga was an agricultural community with dwellers in the higher plateau of Nilgiris district. They also engaged in tea cultivation and potato growing, and they also have a rich oral tradition of folk tales, songs, and poetry.

They belong to the Shiva Section of the Hindu religion. The Badaga tribe is an ethno-linguistic community living in the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu, India. There are over 300 Badaga villages in the district, and the Badagas make up the largest ethnic group in the Nilgiris.

The Badagas have a rich and unique culture. They speak their own language, Badaga, which is a Dravidian language closely related to Kannada. The Badagas also have their own unique customs and traditions, such as their marriage rituals and their festivals.

One of the most important Badaga festivals is the Devva Habba, which is a harvest festival that is celebrated in the month of October. During the Devva Habba, the Badagas thank their gods for a good harvest and pray for a prosperous future.

The Badagas are also known for their traditional crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and wood carving. Badaga pottery is particularly famous for its unique designs and colours.

The Badaga tribe are an important part of the Nilgiri Hills ecosystem. They have a deep understanding of the local environment and have developed sustainable agricultural practices that have helped to preserve the region’s natural resources.

The Badagas are friendly and welcoming people, and they are always happy to share their culture and heritage with visitors. If you are ever in the Nilgiri Hills, be sure to visit a Badaga village and experience their unique way of life.

Kota

The Kota tribe is a small indigenous community living in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. They are one of the oldest and most unique tribes in India, with a rich culture and history.

The Kota tribe is concentrated in the Tiruchigadi area in the Nilagiri Hills. They are known for Folk dances and are musicians who play at Badaa funerals.

These are engaged in funerals. They are experts in Iron Smiths, Potters, and carpenters. Kota implements elaborate tattoos in order to maintain status in society. The Kotas are traditionally metalworkers, and they are known for their skill in crafting silver jewellery and other metal objects. They also make a variety of pottery, baskets, and other handicrafts.

The Kotas are a matriarchal society, and women play a key role in all aspects of community life. They are responsible for making crafts, managing the household finances, and educating the children. Men are responsible for metalworking and agriculture.

The Kotas have a unique religion that is based on the worship of nature spirits. They believe that the Nilgiri Hills are sacred, and they have a deep respect for the environment.

The Kotas are a close-knit community, and they have a strong sense of identity. They are proud of their culture and heritage, and they are committed to preserving their traditional way of life.

Kurumbas

Kurumba Tribe in Tamil Nadu By த*உழவன் – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8247767

They are known for Black Magic and witchcraft. From hunting and Gathering, they changed to working in Tea and Coffee Plantations. They are the only caste in the state with a distinctive language known as the Kurumba Language.

The Kurumbas tribe is one of the six ancient tribal groups in Tamil Nadu. They are believed to be the original inhabitants of the Nilgiri Hills, and they have a rich culture and history.

The Kurumbas are traditionally hunter-gatherers, and they have a deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna. They also collect honey and other forest produce. In recent years, many Kurumbas have also taken up agriculture and cattle rearing.

The Kurumbas are a matriarchal society, and women play a key role in all aspects of community life. They are responsible for gathering food, making handicrafts, and managing the household finances. Men are responsible for hunting, agriculture, and cattle rearing.

The Kurumbas have a unique religion that is based on the worship of nature spirits. They believe that the Nilgiri Hills are sacred, and they have a deep respect for the environment.

The Kurumbas are a close-knit community, and they have a strong sense of identity. They are proud of their culture and heritage, and they are committed to preserving their traditional way of life.

Irula

They occupy the lower slopes and forests of the Nilgiris Hills. They are the second largest tribe after the Badagas tribe and are similar to Kurumbas in character. They produce Honey, fruits, herbs, roots, gums, dyes, etc. They also trade with people in the plains.

They are famous for catching snakes and collecting snake venom.

The Irula tribe is a Dravidian ethnic group inhabiting the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. A scheduled tribe, their population in this region is estimated at around 200,000 people. People of Irula ethnicity are called Irula, and speak Irula, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.

The Irulas are mainly concentrated in northern Tamil Nadu: in a wedge extending from Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in the west to Ariyalur and Cuddalore districts in the south and Tiruvallur district in the north. Small populations live in Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts and were classified by Thurston as a different population.

The Irulas are traditionally snake catchers and herbal healers. They have a deep knowledge of snakes and their venom, and they are able to catch and handle snakes with great skill. The Irulas also have a vast knowledge of medicinal plants, and they use this knowledge to treat a variety of ailments.

In recent years, the Irulas have also taken up other occupations, such as agriculture, cattle rearing, and handicrafts. However, they continue to practice their traditional snake-catching and herbal healing skills.

Paliyan

The Paliyan, or Palaiyar or Pazhaiyarare, are a group of around 9,500 formerly nomadic Dravidian tribals living in the South Western Ghats.

They’re food-gathering communities. It is believed that the Paliyan tribe belongs to the Palani Hills. They are distributed in the districts of Madurai, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tirunelveli, and Coimbatore.

Paliyar tribes were once nomadic, and now they are more progressive than modern society.

The Paliyan tribe is a Dravidian tribal group living in the southern Western Ghats montane rainforests in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers, honey hunters and foragers. Yams are their major food source.

In the early part of the 20th century, the Paliyans dressed scantily and lived in rock crevices and caves. Most have now transformed into traders of forest products, food cultivators and beekeepers, with some working intermittently as wage labourers, mostly on plantations. They are a Scheduled Tribe.

The Paliyan tribe are a unique and fascinating people with a rich culture and history. They have a deep understanding of the local environment and have developed sustainable practices that have helped to preserve the region’s natural resources.

The Paliyan tribe are also known for their traditional crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and basketry. Their handicrafts are made from natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, and clay.

Conclusion

The Tamil tribes are a valuable part of the Tamil Nadu community, and their unique way of life is a reminder of the country’s rich diversity.

Major tribes of India and their locations Upsc

Adivasi: Indigenous People of India

India is one of the large homes for the Indigenous people, who haven’t been touched by the modern world. Also, this country has the largest tribal population in the World with 84.4 Million tribal people.

Indigenous people or Tribal people In India are called Adivasis. Adivasis happens to be the poorest in the country. Adivasis still rely on Hunting, agriculture, fishing, etc for their life.

In this country, there are more than 50 tribal groups, most of them belonging to Negrito, Australoid, and Mongoloid stocks.

Major Tribes of India

Major Tribes of India are:
- Gonds
- Santhals
- Khasis
- Angamis
- Bhils
- Bhutias
- Great Andamanese

Gonds

Found mostly in the Gond forest of central India. Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in the world. They are highly influenced by Hindu culture and traditions.

Santhals

They are the third-largest tribe in India. Found mostly in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Assam.

Santhals belong to the pre-Aryan period. They are great fighters from the British times.

Bhils

They are famously called the bow men of Rajasthan.Bhils are a widely distributed tribe in the nation.

They form the largest tribe in the whole of South Asia. Bhils are divided into central or pure bills and eastern or Rajput Bhils.

Munda

They are mainly found in Jharkhand. They are mostly found in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh. Munda refers to the headman of a village.

Their main occupation is Hunting.

Khasi

They are found in the Khasi Jaintia hills in Meghalaya. Also, found in Punjab, UP, Manipur, West Bengal, and J&K.

A large population is found in Meghalaya.

Angami

They belong to the extreme northeastern part of the nation in Nagaland. Their population is 12 million.

They are famous for Woodcraft and artwork. Angami main festival is Sekrenyi.

Bhutia

They are of Tibetian origin. They have migrated to Sikkim around the 16th century. They are known as Lachenpas and Lachungpas in the Northern part of Sikkim.

They occupy 14% of Sikkim’s population. Their main festivals are Losar and Losoong.

Chenchu

They inhabit the Nallamalai hills, which is part of Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Sanctuary in Andra Pradesh.

They are mainly found in Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Praksham, Guntur, and Kurnool.

Great Andamanese

They are Negrito tribe inhabitants in the Andaman Islands. They form the largest population in these Islands.

As per census, their population is limited to very few individuals.

Major Human races of the world and their characteristics Upsc

Human races in the world

A Race is a group of people with similar, permanent distinguishing characteristics. People belonging to a particular race, skin and Hair colour have certain interpretations.

The classification of racial groups should be done based on characteristics, and physical features inherited from a common ancestor.

The important features based on race are:

skin colour
stature
The shape of the head, face, nose, eye
Type of hair
Blood Group

4 Major Races in the World

Negroid
Caucasoid
Mongoloid
Australoid

Negroid

Negroid is commonly called as “Black Race“. Negroid, have the darkest skin tone of other human races in the world. Their other striking characteristics are:

Slopped Forehead
Thick Lips
Wide Nose
Dark Hairs

Their skin colour is brown to black-brown yellow-brown. Also, their stature is Tall to very short. Their face is medium broad to narrow and tends to have medium-high strong prognathism. The head form is Predominantly long and low in height.

The hair colour is Brown blacklight curl and woolly. The body build is linear and muscular. The nose is low, medium to very broad. Their blood group is high in Rh(D). The eye colour is brown to brown block, vertical eye folds are common.

Blacks live in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Mongoloid

Mongoloid live in East Asia. These people have folding eyelids, almond-shaped eyes, Yellowish skin tone and V-shaped cheeks. Their skin colour is Saffron to Yellow Brown and reddish brown.

The body stature is Medium Tall to Medium Short. The face is Medium broad to very broad malars high and flat tends to medium-high. The head is medium height, predominantly broad. The hair colour is brown to brown-black straight.

The body build tends to be lateral, with some linearity evident. The nose is low to medium form, medium broad. They have a high number of blood Group B.

The eye is brown to dark brown, medial epicanthic fold is very common. Native Americans and Eskimos are also Mongoloid. They have the least body hairs, the least body odour, and the smallest limb ratio. Mongoloid facial structure is likely to adapt to cold mild wind.

Caucasoid

The Caucasoid is also known as “White People”. They have a pointy nose, vertical forehead, pinkish/orange skin tone, Visible brow ridge and colourful eyes/hair. The skin colour is Pale reddish white to olive brown. Their stature is Medium to tall. The face is Narrow to medium broad and tends to have high no prognathism.

The Head form is Long broad short-medium, high very high. The hair colour is Light blonde to Dark brown, straight to wavy. Their body is linear to Lateral slender to refuge. The nose is usually high, narrow to medium board. The number of Blood Group A is more than Blood Group B. The eye colour is light blue to dark brown, with lateral eyes and folds occasionally.

It is believed that their light skin tone is meant to receive more sunlight due to Europe’s cold climate. It is also believed that Caucasoid nose structure is used to keep the nose moisture from getting dried by the wind.

Caucasoid people are living in Europe and the Middle East.

Australoid Race

Australoid Race have visible eye ridges, wide noses, curly hair, dark skin tone, and are short in height. It is believed that the visible eye ridge helps them to eat stiff foods.

Australoid people live in Australia Continent and Papua New Guinea.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity and Race are almost similar, it is a grouping of people. It is a concept that refers to a shared culture and a way of life.

Ethnicity can be reflected in language, religion, and material cultures such as clothing, cuisine, music and art. It is a major source of social conflict. Han Chinese is the largest ethnic group in the world.

There are several thousand ethnic groups in the world, that possess a shared history, language, religion, and culture, that provides a common identity between members.

Ethnicity vs Race

But Ethnicity is the grouping of people based on cultural characteristics.
Race is a grouping of people based on physical qualities.

Racial Diversity in India

India is a unique country with great diversity in ethnicity. It has many races, religions, languages, cultures, cuisines etc. Indian civilization is one of the oldest in the world.

The Indian civilization primarily consists of the Indo-Aryan of North India the Dravidians of South India and the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. Indo-Aryan migrated to this at about 1800 BC.

Dravidians

Dravidian people are native speakers of the Dravidian languages in the Indian Subcontinent. Almost all Dravidians live in South India. Five Major Dravidian Ethnic groups in India are:

Tamil
Telugu
Kannada
Malayalam
Tulu

The Indus Valley People are believed to be the Dravidian People, pushed down to South India due to the arrival of Indo-Aryans and the rise of the Kuru Kingdom. Major Dravidian kingdoms are Cheras, Cholas and the Pandyas.

These three kingdoms were also tolerant of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Major Dravidian languages are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Brahui.

Brahui
Arabic Script Brahui is the only Dravidian Language that is not known to have been written in a Brahmi Based Script. Instead, it has been written in the Arabic Script since the second half of the 20th Century in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Major tribes in Tamil Nadu

Major tribes of India and their locations Upsc

Major language families of the world Upsc

Major rivers in Tamilnadu Tnpsc and its Origin

Major rivers in Tamilnadu

The rivers of Tamil Nadu are its lifeline. Tamilnadu has many rivers. However, the notable ones are Cauvery, Palar, Ponnaiyar, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani.

Most of the rivers of Tamil Nadu originate from the Western Ghats flow towards the east and drain into the Bay of Bengal. Thamirabarani River is the only perennial river in the country.

Thamirabarani River is perennial because it is fed by both the southwest and northeast monsoons.

Top 5 Geography Books for UPSC Prelims That Toppers Swear By! (#4 is a Game-Changer!)

Cauvery

Cauvery originates at Talacauvery in the Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu (Coorg). Coorg is a district in Karnataka in the Western Ghats. About 416 Km of its course falls in Tamil Nadu. It serves as a boundary between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for a distance of 64 Km.

Cauvery River forms Hogenakkal waterfalls in Dharmapuri district. Stanley Reservoir also called Mettur Dam is located across the Cauvery River in the Salem district.

A tributary called Bhavani joins Cauvery on the right bank about 45 km from the Mettur Reservoir. Thereafter, it takes an easterly course to enter into the plains of Tamil Nadu.

Two more tributaries, Noyyal and Amaravati confluence the river on the right bank at Thirumukkudal 10 km from Karur. The river is wider in this region, where it is called ‘Agandra Cauvery’.

In the Tiruchirappalli district, the river branches into two parts. The northern branch is called Kollidam or Coleroon. The southern branch remains Cauvery. From here, the Cauvery delta starts.

After flowing for about 16 km, the two branches join again to form ‘Srirangam Island‘. The Grand Anaicut, also called Kallanai was built across the river Cauvery. After Kallanai, the river breaks into a large number of distributaries and forms a network all over the delta.

The network of distributaries within the delta of Cauvery on the coast is called the ‘Garden of Southern India‘. It merges into the Bay of Bengal to the south of Cuddalore.

Palar

The Palar River rises beyond Talagavara village in the Kolar district of Karnataka. The Palar drains an area of 17,871 sq. km, out of which nearly 57% lies in Tamil Nadu and the rest in the states of Karnataka and Andra Pradesh.

Ponnai, Goundinya Nadhi, Malattar, Cheyyar, and Kiliyar are its major tributaries. Its total length is 348 km, out of which 222 km of its course falls in Tamilnadu.

Palar flows through the districts of Vellore and Kancheepuram. Finally, it enters the Bay of Bengal near Kuvattur.

Then Pennaiyar/Then Ponnaiyar

Then Pennaiyar originates from the eastern slope of Nandi Durga hills in eastern Karnataka and drains an area of 16,019 sq. km, of which nearly 77% lies in Tamil Nadu.

This river flows for a distance of 247 km in the southeasterly direction in the districts of Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, and Villupuram.

Then Pennaiyar branches into two viz. Gadilam and the Ponnaiyar near Tirukoilur Anaicut. Gadilam joins the Bay of Bengal near Cuddalore and Ponnaiyar near Puducherry. Chinnar, Markandanadhi, Vaniar, and Pambar are its tributaries.

Heavy rain at the river’s source causes sudden but short-lived floods. The river is extensively dammed for irrigation, in Tamil Nadu.

There are reservoirs at Krishnagiri and Sathanur across this river. The Ponnaiyar is considered sacred by Hindus and festivals are held during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February).

Vaigai

Vaigai River rises from the eastern slopes of the Varusanadu hills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. It drains an area of 7741 sq. km, which lies entirely in the state of Tamil Nadu.

It flows through the districts of Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram. Its length is 258 km. It discharges its water into the Ramnad big Tank and some other small tanks. The tank surplus water is finally released into Palk Strait near Ramanathapuram.

Thamirabarani

Thamirabarani is named from Thamiram (copper) and Varuni (streams of rivers). The water of this river gives a copper-like appearance due to the presence of red soil suspended in it.

Thamirabarani originates from a peak in Pothigai Hills on the Western Ghats above Papanasan in the Ambasamudram Taluk. The origin of the river is associated with Sage Agasthiyar.

This river travels through the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi and finally flows into the Bay of Bengal near Punnaikayal in the Thoothukudi district. Karaiyar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Gadananathi, Pachaiyar, chittar, and Ramanathi are its main tributaries.

FAQ

a.How many rivers are in Tamilnadu?

There are 115 big and small rivers in Tamil Nadu. Of which there are Major 17 river basins in Tamil Nadu. Of the 17, Cauvery is the only major river basin, 13 others are medium basins and 3 are minor basins, which other rivers constitute.

b.Name some important rivers in Tamilnadu.

Cauvery, Palar, Vaigai, Noyyal, Cheyyar, Moyar, Bhavani, Thamirabarani, etc are major rivers of Tamil Nadu.

c.State river of Tamil Nadu?

There is no official state river for Tamil Nadu. But the Cauvery is its main river. It flows into Tamil Nadu from Karnataka and it flows one-third of the state.

d.Top 10 rivers in Tamilnadu?

Based on the length, the top 10 rivers in Tamilnadu are:

Kaveri – 765 Km
Ponnaiyar – 500 Km
Palar – 348 Km
Amaravati – 282 Km
Vaigai -258 Km
Bhavani – 215 Km
Noyyal – 180 Km
Tamirabarani -125 km
Thirumanimutharu -120 km
Arani – 108 Km

References

https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Tamil-Nadu/337962

Types of soil classification india and its Distribution Upsc

Soil Percentage in India

Alluvial Soil – 22.16%

Red Soil- 28%

Black Soil-29.69%

Saline & Alkaline Soil- 1.29%

Peaty & Marshy Soil-2.17%

Laterite Soil -2.62%

Arid & Desert Soil – 6.13%

Forest & Mountain Soil – 7.94%

Types and Percentage of soil types in India with respect to agriculture — Soil Percentage in India

Soil distribution in India

Agriculture mainly depends on the soil. It is composed of various minerals, air, organic matter, and water. These are present on the topmost layer of the land. Soil grains are of three types namely Sand, Clay, and Silt.

The soils are formed by weathering of rocks and deposition of denudation.

Types of soil in India

There are eight types of soil identified by the Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR), which is established in 1953.

Soil distribution in India and its Nature, Crops Grown

Alluvial soil

Alluvial Plain By Matt Affolter, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14715873

Characteristics of Alluvial Soil

It is light-colored, much more siliceous in Khadar type Alluvial soil. In the case of Bhanger, it is dark, clayey, lime nodules in older alluvium soil.

Formation of Alluvial Soil

Alluvial soil is formed by streams and rivers carry deposits from hills.

Chemical properties of Alluvial Soil

Alluvial soil composition – It is rich in carbon compounds, lime, phosphoric acid, potash, but poor in nitrogen.

Nature of Alluvial Soil

All the grains, such as sand, loam, silt, and clay, show a similar profile.

Distribution of Alluvial Soil in India

Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and the Plains of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal, West Bengal, and Bihar.

Crops that grow in Alluvial Soil

Oilseeds, Wheat, Sugarcane, and Rice

Black soils

Formation of Black Soil

Black is from the Deccan Trap Basalt. It is black due to its Iron and Titanium presence. The black soil percentage in India is 29.69%

Chemical properties of Black Soil

It consists of high quantities of iron, calcium, lime, aluminium, magnesia, magnesium carbonates, potash lime, Aluminum calcium, and magnesium, poor in Nitrogen Phosphoric acid and humus.

Nature of Black Soil

Black soil has a very high degree of moisture retentivity and becomes sticky when wet.

Distribution of Black Soil

The northern part of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Malwa plateaus, Telangana and the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh and the Kathiawar peninsula.

Crops that grow in Black Soil

Sugarcane, Cotton, Tobacco, and Millet.

Red Soil

Formation of Red soil

Red soil is formed by the decomposition of ancient crystalline rocks such as granite and gneisses. The red soil percentage in India is 28%.

Chemical Properties of Red Soil

It is rich in iron and magnesium but deficient in phosphoric acid, lime, hummus, and Nitrogen.

Nature of Red Soil

It is red, clay fraction of soil consists of Kaolinitic mineral, porous, light texture.

Distribution of Red Soil

Southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Eastern parts of Deccan plateau, Chota Nagpur plateau (Jharkhand).

Crops that grow in Red Soil

Cotton, Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane, and Pulses.

Laterite soils

Formation of Laterite soil

Laterite soil is formed in the region where both hot, dry and wet condition exists alternately and is formed by the process of leaching. The laterite soil percentage in India is 2.62%.

Chemical properties of Laterite Soil

This type of soil is mainly made of aluminium and iron hydrated oxides. Laterite soils are more acidic in higher areas, and they cannot maintain moisture. But in the plain regions, Laterite soils can maintain moisture and consist of clay and heavy loam.

Distribution of Laterite Soil

Odisha region, Karnataka, the eastern Ghats, Assam hills, and the hilly regions of Kerala.

Crops That Grow in Laterite Soil

Laterite soil crops that provide good commercial value are Rubber, Cashew Nut, Tapioca, and Coffee.

Forest and mountain soils

Based on climate and region, the property of this kind of soil differs.

Formation of Forest and Mountain Soil

This soil is formed from the mechanical forces caused by the act of temperature variations, snowfall, and rainfall.

Chemical properties of Forest and Mountain Soil

These soils lack lime, potash, and Phosphorus.

Nature of Forest and Mountain Soil

It is acidic due to slow decomposition, humus-rich, thin, light, and sandy with pieces of rock. Their character is based on their parent rocks.

Distribution of Forest and Mountain Soil

Eastern and Western Ghats, Sikkim, Jammu, and Kashmir, Coniferous belts, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand.

Crops that grow in Forest and Mountain Soil

Coffee, tea, rice, maize, potato, barley, tropical fruits, and various types of spices

Arid and desert soils

Formation of Arid and Desert Soils

Due to the continued dry climate, high temperature, and fast evaporation, the soil is dry. This type of soil lack humus due to the absence of vegetative cover.

Chemical Properties of Arid and Desert Soils

It contains phosphate even though it is poor in nitrogen, a high percentage of soluble salts, alkaline with calcium carbonate in varying degrees, and poor in organic matter.

Nature of Arid and Desert Soil

It is light-coloured with low humus and moisture, and friable.

Distribution of Arid and Desert Soil

Southern Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Crops that grow in Arid and Desert Soil

Maize and pulse, barley, cotton, and Millet when irrigated.

Saline and Alkaline Soils

Formation of Saline and Alkaline Soil

This is formed by poor drainage that makes waterlogging and injurious salts are taken to the topmost layer by capillary action.

This causes salinity in the soil.

Chemical Properties of Saline and Alkaline Soil

It liberates sodium, calcium salts, magnesium, and sulfurous acid.

Nature of Saline and Alkaline Soil

It consists of the mineral fragment as a result of poorly, not fully decomposed rocks.

Distribution of Saline and Alkaline Soil

Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the drier parts of Bihar.

Peaty and marshy soils

Formation of Peaty and marshy soils

This is formed by organic matter in humid regions where there is high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Nature of Peaty and Marshy Soils

It is highly acidic, heavy, and black in color.

Chemical properties of Peaty and Marshy soils

Organic matter content is 10 to 40%, high vegetable matter proportion, and contains a considerable amount of soluble salts; it is deficient in potash and phosphate.

Distribution of Peaty and Marshy Soils

Almora district of Uttarakhand, Bihar, Kottayam, and Alapurra districts of Kerala, coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Odisha, Sundarbans of West Bengal.

Crops that grow in Peaty and Marshy Soil

Paddy, Jute.

Soil types of India and its region with respect to agriculture — Soil Types India Map

Soil degradation

The India Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) estimated that the soil degradation is about 147 million hectares in India in its report in 2015.

Soil degradation is caused by Soil erosion, like sheet erosion, Rill Erosion, Gully erosion, Ravine, and Badlands.

Also, due to Saline and Alkaline, Salt flats.

Conservation and Management of Soil Methods

Growing up with plants and trees- Afforestation.

Constructing Dams

Construction Barrages.

Overgrazing Prevention.

Good agricultural practices such as Contour method, Rotation of crops, Contour bunding, shelterbelt planting, strip cropping.

Sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

This article is written for the topic ‘soil distribution in India’ for the Upsc Exam and other state service exams. This post covers soil percentage, soil types, nature and characteristics, and the crops cultivated in it.

Geography of Tamil Nadu and its impact on economic growth Tnpsc

Physical determinants of agriculture

The geographical determinants of Agriculture are Landform, climate, soil, and Irrigation.

The landform of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a diverse landscape with hills, plateaus, and plains. The plains are mostly suitable for agriculture. The alluvial soil enhances agricultural productivity.

Example – Plains of Cauvery. Agriculture on the Plateau is moderate and very poor on the Hills.

Climate

Tamil Nadu is situated near the equator and it is a tropical zone. As a result, the state experiences a tropical climate. Hence the Tamil Nadu climate is hot throughout the year. As a result, only tropical crops are cultivated.

The Northeast Monsoon is the Major source of water for irrigation and other purposes in Tamil Nadu. The major cropping season starts during this season. This seasonal rainfall affects agriculture to a large extent.

Soil

It is the most important element of agriculture. Most agriculture-productive regions in-state are covered with alluvial soil.

Regions of Agriculture

Tamil Nadu practices subsistence-intensive farming all over, there are only a few exceptions. In the hilly regions of the Eastern and Western Ghats, Plantation Agriculture is practised. Mixed farming is practised on the Banks of Cauvery and Thenpennai.

Irrigation

Monsoon Rainfall in Tamil Nadu is highly irregular and seasonal. Therefore irrigation becomes necessary for agriculture. Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), working under the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), does Rice Research for the State.

It is situated at Aduthurai in Thanjavur district, suggesting rice variety for cultivation based on the agricultural pattern.

Crop calendar of Tamil Nadu

The farmers select crops based on seasons for cultivation. Cultivation is based on Rainfall and the availability of moisture in the soil. Accordingly, Tamil Nadu has the following cropping seasons.

Major crops of Tamil Nadu

Paddy, Millets, Pulses, Oil Seeds, Sugarcane, Cotton, Plantation crops

Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Tamilnadu

Livestock remained the lifeline of rural people. The cattle numbers of Tamil Nadu are 88,92,473. There are 47,86,680 sheep, 81,43,341 goats and 11,73,48,894 poultry animals.

Goat

The goat is called ‘Poor Mans Cow’. It is important in dryland farming. Goat is the best alternative for undulating lands which unsuitable for the rearing of cows, buffalo etc. The rearing of goats is highly profitable for small and marginal farmers.

Sheep

Sheep are used for multiple purposes, such as wool, meat, milk, skin, and manure. It is an important part of the rural economy where the land area is particularly arid, semi-arid, and mountainous. It is a dependable source of income through the sale of wool and meat.

Poultry

Poultry rearing of Hen, Quil, etc for eggs, meat, manure, etc. The poultry hub of Tamil Nadu is Namakkal, Salem, Erode, and Coimbatore districts.

Deep-sea fishing in Tamilnadu

Fishing is one of the major occupations in Tamil Nadu as lies along the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and also the Arabian Sea. Also, Tamil Nadu has a lot of reservoirs and rivers that support inland fishing.

There are about 2500 species of fish in Tamil Nadu.

Marine Fishing

Tamil Nadu’s coastline is 1076 km which is 13% of India’s coastline. It covers an area of 0.19 million sq. km. Tamil Nadu has a continental shelf of 41,412 sq. km which gives an advantage of fishing. Marine fishing is also called Inshore or neritic fishing carried in Deep seas/Oceans.

Large mechanized boats are used for fishing in Oceans. There are two types of Marine fishing. They are

Inshore fishing
Offshore fishing

Inshore Fishing – Fishing a few kilometres from the shoreline.

Offshore Fishing– Fishing away from the shoreline such as 20-30 miles and thousands of feet deep is called Offshore Fishing.

Common varieties caught are Sharks, flying fish, conch fish, catfish, silver, bellies, crabs, etc. 40% of fish are produced from the districts of Chennai, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Ramanathapuram districts.

Tamil Nadu has three major fishing harbours, three medium fishing harbours, and 363 fish landing centres. The export of Marine products is 72644 metric tons in the year 2007-2008.

Inland Fishing

It is a type of fishing that is carried out in lakes, rivers, ponds, estuaries, backwaters, and swamps. Oysters and prawns are cultured in Nurseries. Floating nets, boats, and Catamaran are used for fishing. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has introduced several programmes for fishing betterment.

It also established the Fish Farmer Development Agency. It develops programmes such as aquaculture in farm ponds, irrigation tanks, fish seed banks, fish seed rearing, ornamental fish culture, etc. Inland fish production is topped by the Vellore district with 10% of the state produce.

Cuddalore, Sivagangai, and Virudhunagar districts stand second with 9% production in the state each. Fishing contributes 1.25% of the state’s economy.

Second Green Revolution (Eco-Farming or Organic Farming)

Inorganic farming, Chemicals such as Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives are not used. Organic farming relies on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manure, off-farm organic wastes, and biological pest control to maintain the productivity of the soil.

Farmers involved in organic farming in the state are very less.

Water Resource

Tamil Nadu constitutes 4% of India’s land but it habitats 6% of India’s population. But it has only 2.5% of India’s freshwater resources. More than 95% of the surface water and 80% of groundwater is already put to use.

The state heavily depends on monsoon rains. The annual average rainfall is about 930mm. Tamil Nadu gets 47% of rainfall during the Northwest monsoon, 35% during the southwest monsoon, 14% in summer, and 4% in winter.

Major dams in Tamilnadu

Multipurpose river valley projects are developed for irrigation for agriculture and Hydropower generation.

Mettur Dam
Bhavani Sagar Dam
Amaravathi Dam
Krishnagiri Dam
Sathanur Dam
Mullaiperiyar Dam
Vaigai Dam
Manimuthar Dam
The Papanasam Dam
Parampikulam Aliyar Project

Surface Water Resources of Tamil Nadu

The total surface water potential of Tamil Nadu is about 24,864 mcm (million cubic metres). There are 17 major river basins in the state with 81 reservoirs and about 41,262 tanks.

Most surface water is tapped, mainly for irrigation. Irrigation uses maximum water. An area of 24 lakh hectares of the land is irrigated by surface water by major, medium, and minor schemes.

Ground Water Resources

In Tamil Nadu, the utilizable groundwater resource of the state is 22,423 mcm. The current utilization level is 13558 mcm which is 60% of available recharge, while about 8875 mcm (40%) is the balance available for use.

Tamil Nadu Water Resource Management

Water resource management is planning, developing, distributing, and managing water resources such as dams, lakes, rivers, etc. The water demand increases due to an increase in population and economic activities.

The per capita availability of water resources is just 900 cubic metres when compared to the national average of 2,200 cubic metres. The largest of water usage in the State is agriculture, it consumes over 75% of the water resources. The other domestic industries have also grown significantly.

Tamil Nadu is heavily dependent upon the monsoon rains and depends on rain to recharge its water resources. This is the reason, that leads to acute water scarcity and severe droughts due to monsoon failures.

Mineral Resources

Tamil Nadu is the leading producer of vermiculite, magnetite, dunite, rutile, garnet, molybdenum, and ilmenite. 55.3% of lignite, 75% of vermiculite, 69% of dunite, 59% of garnet, 52% of molybdenum, and 30% of titanium in the country are produced in Tamil Nadu.

Important minerals found in the country are:

Lignite is largely available in Neyveli.
Coal is available in Ramanathapuram.
The Cauvery Basin has rich deposits of Oil and Gas.
Kanjamalai in Salem district and Kalrayan Malai region of Tiruvannamalai district have rich deposits of Iron.
Salem has Magnesite ores.
Bauxite is found in Servarayan Hills, Kotagiri, Udagamandalam, Palani and Kollimalai areas.
Gypsum is found in Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Virudhunagar districts.
Ilmenite and rutile are found in the sands of Kanyakumari Beach.
Limestone is found in Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Karur, Madurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Perambalur, Ramanathapuram, Salem and Tiruvallur districts.
Magnesite is found in Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Karur, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli and Vellore districts.
The other mineral found in the state is Feldspar, quartz, copper and lead.

Industries

Industries use raw materials and convert them into usable products or goods. Textiles, sugar, paper, leather, cement, electrical equipment, automobiles, information technology, and tourism are the major industries of Tamil Nadu.

Textile Industry

The textile industry is one of the traditionally well-developed industries in Tamil Nadu. The textile mills are concentrated in Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Palladam, Karur, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Madurai, and Erode.

Tamil Nadu has about 3,50,000 power looms manufacturing cotton fabrics and accounts for 30% of India’s exports of textiles products. Erode in Tamil Nadu is well known for marketing handloom, power loom, and readymade garments.

Coimbatore is also known as the ‘Manchester of Tamil Nadu’. Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode contribute a major share to the state’s economy through textiles.

So, this region is referred to as the ‘Textile Valley of Tamil Nadu’. Karur is known as ‘The Textile capital of Tamil Nadu’.

Silk Textiles

Tamil Nadu occupies the fourth position in the country in silk production. Kancheepuram silk is unique in its quality and is known for its traditional value all over the world.

The annual silk production in Tamil Nadu is around 1200 metric tons. Kancheepuram, Arani, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli are the important silk-weaving centres in Tamil Nadu.

Ramanathapuram has some specialized areas for the manufacturing of synthetic silk clothes.

Leather Industry

Tamil Nadu accounts for 60% of leather tanning processes in India and 38% of all leather footwear, garments, and components. Hundreds of leather, tanneries are located around Vellore and nearby towns, such as Ranipet, Ambur, and Vaniyambadi.

The Vellore district is the top exporter of finished leather goods in the country. Vellore leather accounts for more than 37% of the country’s exports of leather and leather-related products (such as finished leathers, shoes, garments, and gloves).

Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), a CSIR research laboratory, is located in Chennai.

Paper Industry

Many paper industries are located in the state. Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) is a government of Tamil Nadu enterprise producing newsprint and printing and writing paper at its mill located at Kagithapuram in Karur district.

It was started in 1979 with an installed capacity of 2.45 lakh MT of production per annum. TNPL is one of the most accomplished mills in the world, producing different varieties of paper of acceptable quality primarily from bagasse and pulpwood.

Other paper mills of the state are found in Pukkathurai of Kancheepuram district, Bhavanisagar, Pallipalayam, Paramathi Vellore, Coimbatore, Udamalaipet, Thoppampatti, Nilakkotai, and Cheranmahadevi.

Cement Industry

Cement production and consumption continue to grow despite the general recession in the economy. India is one of the largest cement producers and ranked second in the world with an annual production capacity of 181 million tons.

Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) is one of the major cement producers in Tamil Nadu operating two cement units: one at Ariyalur and another at Alangulam.

The asbestos cement sheet plant at Alangulam and the stoneware pipe unit at Virudhachalam are the other units of TANCEM. Sankar Cement, Zuari Cement, Ultratech Cement, Madras Cement, and Dalmia Cement are the major private cement brands produced in Tamil Nadu.

Information Technology

According to the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), the southern states continue to account for more than half of the country’s total exports of software. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh together account for 59.6% of India’s total software exports.

Tamil Nadu is the second-largest software exporter in the country next to Karnataka. A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in which the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country.

SEZs are located within a country’s national borders, and their aims include increased trade balance, employment, increased investment, job creation, and effective administration.

Special Economic Zones

Special economic zones (SEZs) provide an internationally competitive and hassle-free environment for exports. Units in SEZ manufacture goods and provide a range of services.

SEZs are located in Nanguneri, Ennore, Hosur and Perambalur. IT & ITES SEZ named TIDEL-II and TIDEL-III and Bio-Pharmaceuticals SEZ are located in Chennai and Coimbatore SEZ called the TIDEL Park–IV is located in the city.

The list of IT parks in Tamil Nadu

Tidel Park
Ascendas
Mahindra world city
4 IT & ITES SEZ TIDEL-II, IT & ITES
SEZ TIDEL-III, Coimbatore SEZ – Tidel Park.

Manufacturing & Engineering Industry

The manufacturing industry is one of the vibrant sectors of the state economy and contributes significantly to the industrial output.

The manufacturing industry broadly covers the manufacture of machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, basic metal and alloy industries, metal products, and repair of capital goods.

Tamil Nadu’s share of the industrial output is around 11–12% of the country’s output and 15% of the country’s exports excluding software. Tamil Nadu accounts for about 17% of India’s software exports.

Automobile Industries

The share of Tamil Nadu in the all-India production of automobiles and heavy vehicles is rather significant. The automobile industry plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and has been one of the key driving factors. contributing 8 per cent to state GDP and giving direct employment to 2,20,000 people.

Tamil Nadu accounts for about 21% of passenger cars, 33% of commercial vehicles, and 35% of automobile components produced in India. Major automobile manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, HM Mitsubishi, Ashok Leyland, and TAFE have manufacturing bases in Tamil Nadu.

Chemical & Plastic Industry

The chemical industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of industry and the economy. The sector contributes 13% to the state’s GDP and constitutes 8% of the total exports of the country.

Handlooms and Powerlooms

The handloom sector in the state is the single largest cottage industry providing livelihood to a large number of rural people and promoting export earnings.

The handloom sector and its related economic activities generate gainful employment for more than 4.29 lakh weaver households and 11.64 lakh weavers in the state.

These societies mainly produce the cloth required for the scheme of ‘Free Supply of Uniforms to School Children and Free Distribution of Sarees and Dhotis Scheme’.

Sugar Industry

The sugar industry in Tamil Nadu is an important agro-based industry. It plays a vital role in the economic development of the state, particularly in rural areas.

The sugar industry provides large-scale direct employment to several thousand and indirect employment to several lakhs of farmers and agricultural labourers in rural areas who are involved in the cultivation of sugarcane, harvesting, transporting, and other services.

There are 34 sugar mills in Tamil Nadu, of which 16 are in the cooperative sector and 18 in the private sector.

Tourism Industry

Tourism is considered an industry because of its enormous potential to create employment for a large number of people. In recent years, the state has emerged as one of the leading tourist destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Tourism in Tamil Nadu is promoted by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). The state currently ranks the highest among Indian states with about 25 crore arrivals (in 2013).

The annual growth rate of this industry stood at 16%. Approximately 28 lakh foreign and 11 crore domestic tourists visit our state annually.

The presence of ancient monuments, pilgrim centres, hill stations, a variety of natural landscapes, long coastline, along with rich culture and heritage make Tamil Nadu the best destination for tourists.

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