Tamil Nadu has historically been an agricultural state, while its advances in other fields launched the state into competition with other areas. Even so, Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of agricultural products in India. Tamil Nadu agriculture is heavily dependent on the river water and Monsoon rains. The perennial rivers are Palar, Cheyyar, Ponnaiyar, Kaveri, Meyar, Bhavani, Amaravati, Vaigai, Chittar & Tamaraparani. Non-perennial rivers include the Vellar, Noyal, Suruli, Gundar, Vaipar, Valparai and Varshali. Tamil Nadu is also the leading producer of kambu, corn, rye, ground nuts, oil, seeds and sugar cane in India.

At present Tamil Nadu is India’s second biggest producer of rice, next to Punjab where there is perennial source of irrigation.Tamil Nadu is the home to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, known as the “father of the Green Revolution” in India. The town of Namakkal is also known as the Poultry hub of India

A technological and industrial park (designated as a Special Economic Zone) was originally planned to be set up in Nanguneri, in the Tirunelveli district with an investment of Rs. 6,000 crores (US$ 1.6 billion). However, recently developmental plans point to a re-orientation of this project to Tuticorin.

Also Tamil Nadu is the second biggest producer of rice and is the home land of Dr. M.S. Swami Nathan, known as the “Father of the Green Revolution” in India. The state is historically known for it’s agriculture from ancient times.

The major food crops grown in the state include rice, jowar, ragi, bajra, maize and pulses. Cotton, sugarcane, coconut, tea and coffee are also grown and considered as cash crops. Some farmer produce horticultural products like bananas and mangoes.

Paddy is grown in large excess because rice is the main staple food of the state. There are three crops based on duration. The first one is the ‘Kuruvali’ (the short term crop) with duration of three and a half to four months from June to July to Oct – Nov. The second crop is called the ‘Thaladi’ that grown in 5 to 6 months Oct – Nov to Feb – March. Third is ‘Samba’ and has a duration of almost 6 months from Aug to January. The major source of irrigation is the rivers, tanks and wells.