Chennai, May 18, 2025 – In a comprehensive sectoral update, the Government of Tamil Nadu has highlighted its achievements in agriculture, dairy development, and fisheries, showcasing a surge in growth and productivity under its strategic policy direction.

According to an official release, the state has achieved an average agricultural growth of 5.66% between 2021 and 2024, a significant rise from the 1.36% growth recorded between 2012 and 2021. The update follows five consecutive agriculture-focused budgets and sector-specific investments that have redefined rural development in the state.

🥇 National Rankings in Crop Productivity

The Tamil Nadu government announced that the state currently holds:

• 1st place in India for the productivity of finger millet (ragi) and guava
• 2nd place in the productivity of maize, sugarcane, tamarind, tapioca, jasmine, and oilseeds

These achievements are attributed to scientific agronomy, irrigation efficiency, crop diversification efforts, and the state’s pioneering Millet Mission.

🚜 Irrigation, Budget Allocations, and Food Security

Key figures shared by the government include:

• Increase in irrigated land from 36.07 lakh hectares (2020–21) to 38.33 lakh hectares (2023–24)
• A cumulative ₹1.94 lakh crore allocation to agriculture and allied sectors through five agriculture-focused state budgets
• Enhanced agricultural credit, real-time crop advisories, and input delivery via digital platforms

These interventions have not only increased productivity but also stabilized input access for dairy farmers who rely on fodder cultivation.

🥛 Dairy Sector Achievements

The Tamil Nadu government emphasised dairy as a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, with major progress reported in:

• Strengthening the milk procurement network through the cooperative giant Aavin
• Expansion of bulk milk coolers, chilling plants, and UHT processing units
• Fodder development schemes to support cross-bred and indigenous breeds
• Enhanced doorstep veterinary services and AI delivery via mobile units

Dairy initiatives are being aligned with nutrition-focused schemes like school milk distribution and fortified milk access for rural children.

🐟 Fisheries Development

The fisheries sector, both marine and inland, has witnessed:

• Modernisation of fish landing centers and cold storage infrastructure
• Introduction of insurance coverage for registered marine fishers
• Promotion of brackish water and inland aquaculture
• Capacity-building programs for women in fishing communities

The government reiterated its commitment to expanding the blue economy, increasing allocations and administrative support to the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation (TNFDC).

📣 Government's Vision Forward

“Our focus has been on inclusive growth through sector-specific interventions that improve farmer income, nutritional outcomes, and sustainability,” said an Agriculture Department official in the press release.

The Tamil Nadu government plans to integrate agriculture, dairy, and fisheries further to build a climate-resilient and economically robust rural economy.