The Role of Diversification in Farmer's income and Determinants-A Case Study on Tamil Nadu

After examing the trends and patterns in crop diversification in Tamil Nadu, the paper has revealed that cropping pattern in the state is transforming from food grains to high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry products. Among foodgrain group of cereals, the maize has performed better than all other cereals. The growth rate of maize area, production and yield increased in both the periods 1990–01 and 2001–15. The increasing demand for maize for poultry feed and contact farming across maize farmers also are the reasons for increasing area under maize. It has replaced areas under sorghum, millets and rice. Compared to other subsectors, area under fruits, flowers and spices has increased significantly. The growth rates of chickens and eggs have been found as 15.10 per cent and 11.08 per cent, respectively for the period 2001–2015 which is more than the growth rate of any other agriculture and horticulture crops. Milk and fish production has also shown a significant growth during this period. The growth rate of livestock revealed sector has revealed that famers are engaged more in livestock activity.