In response to recent news, the Tamil Nadu government has designated the Cauvery delta region as a protected special agricultural zone. This agricultural hub encompasses eight districts including Thanjavur, which is known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu”, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Tiruchirapalli. This essential move aims at restricting non-agrarian projects in the region. Furthermore, the government has asserted that major central projects involving hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region cannot be initiated without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Government. This particular region serves as a significant agricultural land for Tamil Nadu.
The Cauvery Delta Protected Zone’s Coverage
In a significant move to safeguard its agricultural regions, the Tamil Nadu government declared the Cauvery delta region as a Protected Special Agriculture Zone. The zone encompasses eight distinct districts, namely Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur, and Tiruchirapalli. The inclusion of Thanjavur, famously known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu, emphasizes the region’s agrarian richness and potential.
Regulations on Non-Agricultural Projects
With this important declaration, the Tamil Nadu government safeguards the region from any non-agrarian projects. It places restrictions on any activities that doesn’t support or relate to agriculture. This protective measure ensures that the land retains its fertility and continues its agricultural contributions without disruption.
The Requirement of State NOC for Central Projects
The declaration also touches upon the implementation of significant central projects within the region. The Tamil Nadu government highlighted that any project regarding hydrocarbon exploration in the delta region can only proceed with a NOC from the State government. This move ensures the State’s control over its resources and protects the region against potential environmental hazards.
The Importance of Cauvery Delta Region in Tamil Nadu Agriculture
The Cauvery delta region has a longstanding history of being a crucial agricultural region for Tamil Nadu. It is particularly noted for its contributions to the state’s staple food productions. However, it was observed that Tamil Nadu’s food dependence on the delta has declined from 65% to 40% over the past four decades.
Impact of Hydrocarbon Wells on Food Dependence
One of the significant factors influencing the change in Tamil Nadu’s food reliance on the Cauvery delta region is the presence of hydrocarbon wells. Their impact is clearly reflected in the reduction of Tamil Nadu’s food dependence on the delta to 40% from the previous 65%. However, with the recent protective measures implemented by the Tamil Nadu government, it is expected that this trend could be reversed, allowing the region to regain its agricultural prominence.
