Contribution of tank irrigation system in supporting the livelihood of rural people

The study was conducted in Periyakulam, Andipatti and Bodinayakkanur blocks of Theni district in Tamil Nadu. From each block two self-help groups (SHGs) were selected based on the contribution of tank to livelihood security. From the six SHGs all the 102 members were considered as the respondents for the study. The respondents were interviewed through a well structured interview schedule. Data were collected through focus group discussion method and were analyzed using rank-based quotient. Among the ten major contributions tank an indispensable part of rural livelihood was ranked first whereas tanks increased agricultural production was in second position. The aspect use of tank beds for cultivation was given the lowest value by the respondents.