Abstract

                                An analytical study was made to identify the potential districts for cultivation of horticultural crops in Tamil Nadu. The data on area, production and productivity of important horticultural crops for 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 were collected and analyzed for their Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI). Based on these RSI and RYI, the potential cropping districts for important crops were identified. The study revealed that twelve districts were efficient for growing guava whereas seven, six, six, six, five and three districts were for jack, coconut, banana, lemon, mango and grapes respectively. In respect of vegetables viz., brinjal, bhendi, tomato, chilies and onion are having potential area for cultivation in sixteen, seven, five, three and two districts respectively. Spices such as coriander, turmeric, ginger and garlic will be profitable only in small area of five, four, one and one districts respectively in Tamil Nadu.

Key words : Efficient Cropping Zone, Relative Spread Index, Relative Yield Index, Horticultural crops