CHAPTER V

RURAL INDUSTRIES IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

Kanyakumari is mainly an agricultural district. Its prosperity is,

therefore mainly dependent on the development of agricultural resources.

Intensive efforts are being made to raise the yield of different crops by

adopting modern methods of cultivation. But agriculture alone cannot

contribute to increase the incomes of the local people, since the area of

cultivation is limited in relation to its growing population. Therefore, it is

imperative that secondary sectors, particularly cottage industries, are also

developed in order to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed.

Village industries may be defined as those that manufacture

articles needed in the villages utilizing tools and implements, raw materials,

and human or animal power which are locally available. These industries play

a vital role in the district in view of their capacity to generate employment

opportunities in the rural sector at a low capital cost, developing local

6j7

initiative, co-operation and a spirit of self reliance in the economy, helping in

the utilization of the available manpower for processing locally simple

techniques, offering employment at the place of residence to a large section of

rural population and providing seasonal part time employment to the rural

people suffering from underemployment owing to the seasonal character of

agricultural operations.

Further, cottage industries require lesser gestation period and

produce goods required by the common man. They are eminently suited for

initiating the process of industrialization in the backward areas of the district

on a dispersed basis and they have the capacity to rectify the regional

imbalances. These industries have, therefore, been accorded an important

place in this credit plan with a view to achieve rapid industrialization of rural

areas.

For a long time, the district has been the land of cottage

industries. This sector has been providing employment to a large number of

people. The rural industries have been facing problems in getting adequate

finance. Availability of bank finance at a reasonable rate of interest will save

artisans from the clutches of money-lenders and wholesale traders who charge

usurious rates of interest.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission and Tamil Nadu

Khadi and Village Industries Board provide assistance to artisans by way of

loans for meeting working capital requirements and also for the purchase of

tools and implements in the cases of selected industries. Besides these, they

also assist the respective industries in marketing their products, in training

their artisans and in promoting research in the production techniques'.

Kanyakumari district has got an area of 1684.17 sq.km . This

district is rich in resources derived from land, sea and forest. The urban area

is reported to be 43 sq.km . But the rural areas cover a total of 1641sq.km .

However, around 49354 hectares are reported to be forest lands. It has been

endowed with a coastline of about 68 kms.

Generally speaking, the people of this district are hard working.

With higher percentage of literacy, the people of this district have a lure for

white collar jobs, particularly government jobs. Hence they are not interested

in taking up industrial ventures.

One of the main bottlenecks which hampers the growth of

industries in this district is the non-availability of vacant lands for setting up

industries. The high cost of land also contributes to low development of

industries in this district.

Though this district has got enough raw materials and

infrastructural facilities, it has to take a seat in the back bench in the field of

industrial development. With the growing rate of unemployment due to stiff

Credit Plan for Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, Lead Bank Cell, Indian Overseas Bank, Madras,1978, p.73.

'JiLAVANCOOE4</ KLg'rtAM ThOVA

100

MAJOR VILLAGE INDUSTRIES PATRONISED BYTHE DISTRICT INDUSTRIES CENTRE

N

AND THEIR OCATIONS I

KERALA STATEI&II t I tTDWT

4

'C AGASTEESWARAM

T

ARABIAN SEA

EROCRL A?

GULF OF MANNAR

Stone Ca rving : Mvhiy

Hand Embroider' LaceNa q eao. Nvoor. Mutagumr3d Kattatucai, MathcOde.

KaIaa'. Peeth3 am, Kajrecode, f-saripaUaff.

Banana Fibe : Kanyakumari. KolveL Cenkody, Veey 1oo hiruvattar. Edaicode,

Vrkiamb

©

Temple Jewelle ry : Vadasery

4 Kora Grass Mat: .00rangudy, Sout Soorangudy. Eoothaçafldy Marthandam,

* Sea Shell : Kanyakirnari waminathapuram, Kottarani, Pottayadi, Suchindram,

Jute Based Handicrafts Kanyakurnan, ThwuvararnPU

EX Brass & Metal: MEenakshipUfam Vattavilai

101

competition from other districts, the educated youth of this district are now

inclined to take up industrial ventures. It is therefore, expected that there will

be rapid industrial development in this district in the coming years2.

The details of rural industries in this district are discussed below.

Banana Fibre

Banana fibre is used to produce bags, table mats, and many other

items. Banana fibre crafts is flourishing in Agasteeswaram and Killiyoor

blocks. The value of the banana fibre products produced in the year 1999-

2000 was estimated at Rs. 180970003.

Talipot Fibre

Talipot is a kind of palm common in India, whose leaves are

used for covering roofs, making fans and the like.

In Kanyakumari district, the talipot fibre is used to make bags,

tea mats, fancy trays and the like. The value of these articles produced in the

year 1999-2000 has been estimated at Rs.1 i50000.

Wood Carving

This is very popular in the district which is evident from the fact

that even today one can see the workmanship in the temple doors and the

furniture in the monumental palace at Padmanabhapuram. However, lack of

2 Action Plan for 997-98 to 2001-2002, DIC, Kanyakumari, pp.5-6.District Statistical Hand Book 1999-2000, Kanyakumari District, pp.84-85.1bid., pp.84-85.

102

encouragement and increase in production costs have led to the wane of this

traditional craft.

The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited

in order to encourage and promote industries, have set up a Poompuhar

Temple Car Training Centre at Nagercoil to impart training in wood crafts

such as wood carvings, building temple cars and carved wooden doors. To

market the finished products, a showroom with sales centre in Kanyakumari

has been set up by the Poompuhar. This product commands good demand at

Kanyakumari5.

In Kanyakumari district, the value of wood carving articles

produced in the year 1999-2000 stood at Rs.36400006.

Sandal Wood Carving

Sandal wood is used to make portraits of god and goddess,

panels and the like. The value of sandal wood carvings produced in

Kanyakumari district in the year 1999-2000 was Rs.250000.7

Stone Carving

This is a traditional craft which flourished under the Pandiyan

kings known for their inexorable interest in art and architecture. In the temple

at Suchindrum which is known for its exquisite stone carvings is a standing

M. Gopala Krishnan, Gazetteers of India, Tamil Nadu State, Kanyakumari District, Madras PrintersIndustrial Co-operative Society, Madras-5, 1995, p.356.

6 District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, Qpcjt., pp.84-85.District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, ppcjt., pp.84-85.

103

monument of the ancient architectural marvels. This traditional art has found

its way into the 20th century also, for example the Vivekananda Rock

Memorial was constructed meticulously with blue and red granite. The red

granite used for the shikharams of the mandapam is very unique and

imposing. It has won the appreciation of one and all the world over. These

two constructions thus reveal the traditional standards and the perfection

attained in architecture. In fact it is a harmonious blend of traditional art and

architecture. These arts still have roots in Mylaudy Thirupathisaram and

Aralvoimozhi8.

Stone carving of gods and goddess are in very great demand.

The value of stone carvings produced in the district in the year 1999-2000 was

Rs .4395000.

Bell Metal Industry

It is popular especially in the manufacture of brass vessels,

lamps (Kuthuvilakku), temple bells and uruli. The brass vessels are largely

ornamental with the images of gods, flowers and sacred animals carved on

them. Kottar, Nagercoil municipality areas has also long been associated with

the manufacture of domestic vessels made of vellode or bell metal.

8 M. Gopala Krishnan, , pçjt., p.357.District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, pçjt., pp.84-85.

104

The decline in market for these products has caused a set back to

this industry. So, Poompuhar takes care of marketing these articles and as a

result the industry now heaves a sigh of relief10

In Kanyakumari district, the value of brass metal articles

produced in the year 1999-2000 was Rs. 429000011

Lace and Embroidery Work

This craft was popularized in Kanyakumari district by the early

missionaries. The workmen ship of the needle craft practiced in the district is

superb. The craft is now so important especially for its prospects in

employing the largest number of rural women folk. The artisans have their

own designs, colours and patterns.

Lace and embroidery manufacturing centers are found

concentrated in Nagercoil, Marthandam, Neyyoor, Mulagamood, Kanjiracode,

Irenipuram, Ki lliyoor, Raj akkamangalam, Kuruthancode, Thuckalay and

thiruvattar. The C.S.I. Lace and Embroidery unit, Nagercoil is the pioneer

institution, which manufactures and exports the lace and the embroidery

products of village women 12

The articles produced by the lace industry are bed spread, table

cloth, cushion cover, napkins, and undergarments for women. The value of

10 M. Gopala Krishnan, p cIt., p.357.District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, QpcIt., pp.84-85.

12 M. Gopala Krishnan, loc.cit., p.357.

105

articles produced in the year 1999-2000 was found to be Rs.19230000 in

Kanyakumari district.

Temple Jewellery

This is similar to costume jewellery excepting that real gold leaf

beaten to extreme thinness is used for covering the surface of the ornament.

So, the ornaments made in this style are costlier. The ornaments made in the

temple jewellery style are made to specifications to suit the temple deities. 13

The temple jewellery ornaments are made in the regions coming under

Rajakkamangalam block and Nagercoil municipality.

The articles available under the temple jewellery are reed sets,

bangles, studs, kanga malai, pendants, hair clips and the like. The value of

temple jewellery articles produced here in the year 1999-2000 was

Rs.4626000.14

Costume Jewellery

These are also similar to the temple jewellery except that the

metal used is neither gold nor silver and hence cheap. These are used by the

stage artistes.

The craft is practiced by a section of goldsmiths belonging to the

Viswakarma Community at Nagercoil and Vadaseri.' 5 The silver jewellery

13 M. Gopala Krishnan, Qpçjt., p.358.' District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, Qpçjt., pp.84-85.15 M. Gopala Krishnan, cit., p.358.

106

works available are bangles, finger rings, door fittings of numerous designs

and sizes. The value of silver jewelery articles produced in the year 1999-

2000 stood at Rs.9600016.

Kora Grass Mat

This is one of the most popular crafts of this district. This is a

cottage industry which employs a large number of womenfolk and children.

The korai grass is not available locally but procured from Karur in

Tiruchirappalli district and Vellore in North Arcot district. However, the

korai grass available in Vellore is much different from the same available in

Karur. The popular korai grass varieties used here are Koolamattam and

Marmattam. Mat weaving centers are at Thuckalay, Madhavalayam,

Sooraangudi, Thittuvilai, Ethampoly, Irnepuram, Killiyoor, Athicode,

Thiruvancode, Kanyakumari, Rajakkamangalam blocks, Thovalai blocks and

Kottar'7.

The kora grass is used to produce mats of various designs and

colours. The value of kora grass mats produced in the year 1999-2000 was

found to be Rs. 15999000 in Kanyakumari district 18

Reed and Bamboo Articles

The area situated right below the western ghats has a reserve of

16 District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, pp.84-85.M. Gopala Krishnan, loc.cit., p.358.

18 District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, 9pçj., pp.84-85.

107

lush forest where there is an abundant supply of reeds and bamboos. They

grow in the midst of rubber, cardamom and other commercial crops. Mat

weaving is purely a cottage industry. This craft is practiced by tribal people

mostly inhabiting places below the mountain slopes. Though a wide range of

articles are being made in this district, the most popular is the conical basket

which is commercially used for packing fruits, flowers, betel leaves and the

like. Modern units located at Kanyakumari are manufacturing dinner mats

and wall hangings as well. 19

Reeds are used for weaving mats. Impressive paintings are

produced in reed mats and shell mats. The value of reed mats produced in

Kanyakumari district in the year 1999-2000 was found to be Rs. 1129000. 20

Palm Leaf and Screw pine Articles

This is also one of the important crafts in Kanyakumari district.

Mostly, adivasis and backward communities living along the slopes of western

ghats have taken up to this avocation such as baskets and mat weaving out of

palm leaf and screw pine which are used in packing betel leaves, fruits,

flowers, fishes, jaggery etc. for transportation. These baskets are in big

demand locally. Fancy bags are also manufactured. Palmyrah leaf products

are largely manufactured in all the blocks. These industries are amply found

M. Gopala Krishnan, ppcit., p.358.20 District Statistical Hand Book, 1999-2000, loc.cit., pp.84-85.

108

in Edaicode, Mecode, Thiruvithan code, Palugal, Azhagiamandapam,

Mettukadai and Thuckalay21.

Fancy articles which attract the attention of the tourists such as

baskets and boxes with coloured leaf are manufactured on a large scale in

tourist place like Kanyakumari. On an average, an artisan can weave 4 to 6

mats a day. Apart from the value of the palm as a source of gur and other

products, the palmyrah palm also gives a fibre which has special

characteristics and are in demand in many foreign countries for the

manufacture of brushes. The fibre is extracted from the base of the palm leaf

sheath of young trees. The artisans take young palms on lease for the

extraction of fibre. The fibre is usually sold to traders who in turn either

export the fibre to foreign countries or sell it locally to the brush

manufacturers. The raw fibre is sorted out, combed, dyed and then sold out to

the traders. 22

Palm leaf product is also used to produce fancy caps, trays, bags

of different designs and varieties. The total value of palm leaf products

produced in the year 1999-2000 was estimated at Rs.3034000 in this district23

Sea Shell Craft

Varieties of beautiful and exquisite fancy shell products are

21 M. Gopala Krishnan, t., p.359.22 Credit Plan for Kanyakumari District, pçjt., pp.80-83.23 District Statistical Hand Book 1999-2000, pp.84-85.

109

being turned out in the district by deft hands of people, mainly women. They

are available in Kanyakumari, Swaminathapuram, Kottaram, Pottayadi, and

Suchindram areas 24 . The most sought after seashell articles are door curtains,

lamp shades, hangers, toys, key chains and paper weights. In Kanyakumari

district shell artifices worth Rs.45367000 were produced in 19992000.25

Laminated Wood Works

With a background of years of experience in turning out artistic

items in pure wood the Handicrafts Marketing and Service Extension Centre

at Nagercoil has successfully introduced articles made of laminated wood.

The tools and techniques have been provided to the manufacturing units here

by the Central Handicrafts Development Centre. The most popular items

produced are laminated wooden bangles, beads, key chains candle stands,

coasters, paper cutters, door curtain hangers, and other gift articles.

Wood Turned Products

Fancy articles made out of teakwood, rosewood and poovarasu

are very popular in the district. The market for these products is quite buoyant

in places all over the country. The important places of manufacture are

Nagercoil, Kulasekaram, Marthandam, and Kottar.

24 Credit Plan for Kanyakumari District, Ioc.cit., pp.73-86.25 District Statistical Hand Book 1999-2000, Ioc.cit., pp.84-85.

Articles from Wax

In and around Nagercoil, replicas of vegetables, fruits and the

like made out of bee wax, are available for sale in most of the fancy shops.

Financial and technical assistance are made available to them every now and

then by the government. Wax products are still produced at the cottage level.

In 1995, there were 25 units producing articles of wax. It increased to 113 in

1998, 140 in 2001 and came down to 111 in 2003.

Musical Instruments

This area is as famous for musical instruments as it is for

temples, temple jewellery, temple figures in wood and a wide range of musical

instruments, like nadeswaram, thavil, harmonium, mridangam, flute, guitar,

karoms, drums and the like. But the artistes, inaptitude and the shift to

modern instruments compelled the discontinuance of this traditional craft save

only a few families here and there, at Mettukadai and Marthandam, who still

cling on to this avocation by force of circumstances.

Cut Glass Work

This is not the glass work as one envisages but it is only the cut

pieces of waste glass used in making articles such as niches, replicas of temple

gopurams and churches. This craft which is of recent origin is mainly found

in Kanyakumari district. 26

110

26 M. Gopala Krishnan, gpxit., p.359.

III

Handloom Industry

Handloom industry in the district is a traditional and labour

intensive industry which is the largest in the unorganised sector. Here, in the

district every weaver's house is a mini handloom industry. So, besides

agriculture, handloom plays a pivotal role in the district's economy.

This industry is concentrated in places such as Kottar, Vadaseri,

Elangadai, Eraniel, Palliyadi and Valvachagoshtam. Kottar which is a suburb

of Nagercoil town, and Eraniel in Kalkulam taluk from very early times have

been famous for their handloom textiles, particularly laced cloth and turkey

towels. In olden days this industry was not only meeting the entire local

requirements, but was also meeting the requirements of the other parts of India

and even overseas countries. But it is a well known fact that the fortunes of

the industry have been unstable here also as elsewhere, so it suffered in the

later years for a variety of reasons and faced serious crisis on several

occasions, resulting in the weavers being thrown out of employment and

naturally producers of handloom cloth had to sustain heavy financial losses.

The government, therefore have come to the aid of the weavers

by setting up the Tamil Nadu State Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society

at Nagercoil. The society supplied yarn to weavers societies and procured the

finished goods and marketed them. A sales emporium has also been opened at

Nagercoil to popularize handloom fabrics.

112

There were about 14161 handloom units in 1988-89 in the

district of which 11411 looms were under the co-operative sector and the rest

were under the private sector. Similarly, there were 77 weavers cooperative

societies during the year 1988-89 in the district. 27 The Sales units have been

established at Nagercoil, Karungal, Vadasery, Monday market and

Thuckalay28.

27 M. Gopala Krishnan, pçjt., pp.359-6028 M. Gopala Krishnan, loc.cit., pp.359-60.

TABLE No.5.1

NUMBER OF FOCAL CENTRES AND LOCATION DETAILS

IN 1999-2000

Si. No. No. of Focal Centres Name/Location of the Focal Centres

113

1 Killiyoor Block

2 Munchirai

3 Thuckalay

4 Kurunthancode

1) Thepparamalai2) Palloor3) Eathanvilai4) Pooletty

1)Amsi2) Arajakulam3) Thottavaram4) Vallutoor Vadakkankarai

1) Palliyadi2) Veeramangalam

1) Colachel2) Erumpuli3) Manavalakurichi

5 Rajakkamangalam 1) Vadasery2) Kottar3) Krishnankoil4) Vettornimadam5) Thengampudur

6 Thovalai Aralvoimozhi

SOURCE: Assistant Director, Handloom, Tirunelveli.

Production of handloom cloth in Kanyakumari district in the

year 1997-2004 is shown in the following table. The rate at which the

quantities of the various handloom products produced have been explained by

the trend model, figure no. 5.1.

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FIGURE No. 5.1

TRENDLINE SHOWING THE PRODUCTION OF HAN DLOOM CLOTH

12000

10000

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2000

01997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004

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116

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TABLE No. 5.4

DETAILS OF POWER LOOMS AND EMPLOYEES WORKING IN

KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

117

Si. Year-wise Number of PowerNo. Classification Looms

1. 1994-1995 1

2. 1995-1996 1

3. 1996-1997 1

4. 1997-1998 1

5. 1998-1999 1

6. 1999-2000 1

7. 2000-2001

8. 2001-2002 1

9. 2002-2003 1

10. 2003-2004 1

SOURCE: Asst. Director, Handloom, Nagercoil.

Number of EmployeesWorking

88

88

88

88

Not functioning

,,

Thousands of families are engaged in the handloom sector, from

different blocks and municipalities in this district. These are shown in the

following table. The table values have been better explained by the bar

diagram, figure no. 5.2.

118

HU

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FIGURE No. 5.2

YEAR-WISE CLASSIFICATION OF FAMILIES ENGAGED IN HANDLOOM SECTOR

IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

10000

9000

8000

7000

6000LLI

5000z

4000

3000

2000

1000

01994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Year

Government Schemes

The Tamil Nadu government introduced schemes such as rebate,

subsidy, special component plan, cluster development scheme, Integrated

Rural Development Programme and Weavers Housing Scheme for the

weavers. These schemes also provide for loans to various weavers co-

operative societies.

The Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society

popularly known as "Co-optex" was established in 1934 in the state with the

object of organising and promoting hand looms in the co-operative sector on a

commercial basis by supplying necessary raw materials and marketing their

products.

The directorate of handlooms and textiles which was set up in

1956 after bifurcation from the co-operative department is responsible for

planning and implementation of programmes for promotion of handloom

industry.

The directorate also functions as the state textile authority and as

such he has a responsibility to initiate measures wherever necessary for

successful functioning of textile and power loom industries apart form the

handloom sector in the state.

The Tamil Nadu Handloom Finance and Trading Corporation

120

(now renamed as Tamil Nadu Handloom Development Corporation) was

121

established in 1964 with the object of providing financial assistance to persons

engaged in handlooms, power looms and ancillary industry outside the co-

operative sector 29

Coir Industry

There is a great scope for the development of this industry in the

district. Coir industry could be seen all along the coastal areas from

Kanyakumari to Kollancode. About 95 per cent of the coir produced in the

district is sent to places outside the district. Training in the production of two

ply yarn is imparted to people in various places. In Kanyakumari 500 people

were trained under the integrated rural development programme. To further

the scheme of training, the government sanctioned the establishment of a coir

school at Ethamozhi which started functioning in 1962. The school offers

training to workers in the manufacture of coir mats, mailings, brush mats

using modern methods.

Spinning of coir yarn is mostly carried out with the aid of the

spinning wheels. Ashtamudy, angengo, aratoray vaikam and common beach

yarn are some of the varieties of coir manufactured in the district 30

Coconut is the major plantation crop cultivated in extensive

areas in this district. In 2000, the area under coconut plantation in the district

was about 22474 hectares. The average yield of coconuts per annum was

29 M. Gopala Krishnan, p.366.30

Ibid., pp.365-366.

122

estimated at 220 million nuts. There were 1050 coir units in this district in the

year 2000-2001, under this 10 were co-operative coir societies and 1040 were

private sectors. The employment generation under the cooperative sector is

433. In private sectors, the number of people get full time employment are

5247 and 8000 persons get part time works.

As the climatic condition in this district is not so conducive for

extraction of quality oil, the copras are taken to Tuticorin for the production of

quality coconut oil. By utilizing the husks, about 4000 M.T of white fibre

(retted),14500 M.T of brown fibre and 1500 M.T of coir products are

produced in the year 2000-2001. In 2000-2001, 568 M.T of coir products are

produced under the co-operative sectors in this district31.

Major portion of brown fibre produced in this district is taken to

Kerala for the production of various quality coir products for exports. Hence

there is a good scope for starting new small scale industrial units for the

manufacture of coir mats, matting carpets etc. in this district. There is also

scope for the manufacturing of 2 ply and 3 ply coir yarn and coir ropes. 32

In 2000, there were 90 coconut fibre industries in this district. 33

There is good export market for quality coir products such as carpets, door

mats, mattings, and curled coir.

Official Records of the District Industries Centre, Nagercoil.32 Action Plan for 1997-98 to 2001-2002, p.15.

Official Records of the District Industries Centre, Nagercoil.

123

There is a modern coir factory producing export quality coir

mats and mattings with the two ply yarn obtained from local producers and

from Kerala. The factory can produce not less than 3750 tonnes of mats and

mailings annually. 34

Rubber Industry

Rubber plantations in India came to be known as a highly

profitable agricultural proposition in 1930.

Tamil Nadu stands second in the production of natural rubber in

the country and the credit goes to the Kanyakumari district since the entire

plantation in the state in this district. The district is well endowed by soil and

climate conditions best suited for rubber cultivation.

Up to the 50's rubber plantations were under private enterprise.

In June, 1960, the government initiated a scheme in the Keeriparai reserve

forest area and brought about 2000 acres under plantation, whereas at that

time about 16000 acres of rubber plantation were under private enterprise. In

1980 in Kanyakumari district alone 12688 hectares were under rubber

plantation as against 12716 hectares in the whole of Tamil Nadu. In 1980-81,

439566 rubber trees were tapped employing 3000 persons, annual yield per

tree was 5.35 kg. In 1986, the area under rubber plantation further rose to

M. Gopala Krishnan, pçjt., p.367.

124

13168 hectares in all i.e., government as well as private, employing about

50000 persons.

Rubber plantations are widespread along the western ghats in

Vilavancode, Kalkulam and Thovalai taluks and in places like Keeriparai,

Paralaiyar, Manalodai, Chithar, Mylar and Kallar areas. Rubber available here

is of a superior quality equivalent to Malasian products.

During 1988 there were 42 rubber based industries in the district

and their production as tread rubber, rubber surgical gloves, rubber bands and

rubber elastic thread and finger tips besides rubber in the form of latex and

rubber sheets which find market in other districts and states was found to be of

the order of 1500 tonnes.

The TANSI has proposed to start a rubber based industry in the

district. The government of Tamil Nadu have set up a separate corporation for

the development of rubber industry with headquarters at Nagercoil by name

'Arsu Rubber Corporation Limited' .35

Nowadays, rubber is cultivated in 15700 hectares in this district.

The annual yield of raw rubber is estimated at 92000 M.T. The rubber in the

form sheets and latex offer ample scope for industrial utilization. Major

portion of raw rubber produced in this district is taken to other districts and

Kerala state for the manufacturing of various rubber products. This offers

M. Gopala Krishnan, p.367.

125

good scope for starting rubber based industries such as, rubber bands, balls,

hand gloves, rubber threads, thread rubber, rubber rollers, tyres and tubes,

rubber molded auto parts etc in this district 36

Chank Industry

Chank is available along the sea coast from Kadiyapattanam to

Nerodai. Prior to the merger of the areas, which are under the present

Kanyakumari district with Tamil Nadu, the chank fishing right was enjoyed by

the Maharajah of Travancore. However, with the transfer of this area to Tamil

Nadu, the rights went to the government and chank fishing was operated in the

district departmentally till 14th April 1960. From 15th April 1960, the fishing

was leased out to private parties. Subsequently, the government revised the

policy and declared the entire costal area of Tamil Nadu except Tuticorin

chank fishery as a free operational area for licensed chank divers from May

1971 onwards. Again, the government revised the policy and brought the

chank fishery of the entire state as a government monopoly, from September

1977 onwards. Now-a-days, only netted chanks are collected in the district.

Chanks are mainly used for the manufacture of fancy articles

such as bangles, rings etc. The "Valampuri Sangu" has a religious

significance and those who could afford to possess this rare chank treasure it

and hence fetches a very good price. West Bengal is a major buyer of chanks.

36 Action Plan for 1997-98 to 2001-2002, cit., p.18.

126

Small-scale industries and handicraft units which use sea sell have come up in

the district. Seashells are used for the production of calcium carbide and

hydrated lime.

Salt Industry

Salt manufacture is one of the ancient industries mainly

concentrated in Kanyakumari and Colachel areas. Salt is produced in salt

pans into which there is a steady flow of backwaters. These pans are centred

around Variyur, Palkulam and Thattarippu Odai on the east coast and the

remaining factories in Rajakkamangalam and Colachel areas along the west

coast.

Oil Industry

Extraction of oil from copra is an important cottage industry in

the district. It has registered a spectacular growth over the years in places like

Kottar, Vadasery, Eraniel, Puttukadai and Mylaudy. In addition to this, it is

also procured from laurel, maruvettyam, illupa, gingelly, odai, pine, anjili,

rubber seed, Karin jotta, margosa and lemon grass which also find a good

market.

Fish Net Industry

Fish net making by manual techniques is an enterprising

industry in the coastal areas of the district. There is a fish net industry at

Varavilai near Muttom run by the Kottar social service league. Quite a few

127

religious organization also run these centers in different parts of the district,

which benefit the fishermen families. A mechanized fish net (Nylon) making

unit at Manavalakurichi also caters to the needs of the fishermen.

Honey Processing

The YMCA Rural Reconstruction Centre at Marthandam is

engaged in bee-keeping. The honey produced enjoys a nation wide market. It

is a seasonal industry which flourishes during April and May when rubber

trees are in blossom. The annual production from a total of 50000 beehives

has been estimated at 375 mts..

Starch Industry

The Arokia Match and starch factory at Puliyoorkurichi in

Kalkulam taluk is one of the important units which is engaged in the

production of starch from tapioca. The starch manufactured here finds a

market locally and also the throughout India. The factory provides

employment for about 100 persons. The annual output of the unit is about

1200 tonnes. Arrow roots for the manufacture of arrow root powder are also

available here. 37

Arrow roots are available largely in Vilavancode taluk,

Kalkulam taluk and Thiruvattar block areas38.

M. Gopala Krishnan, op.cit., p.375-376.38 Official Records of the District Industries Centre, Nagercoil.

Bricks and Tiles Industry

It is also an important and popular industry. One can see these

units on either side of the road at Thovalai, Kandan vilai, Mulagumudu,

Pudukadai and Nulli vilai areas. It is also found here and there in other parts

of the district. The bricks and tiles manufactured here are of a high quality.

Pacode near Marthandam is noted for brick industry.

Wheat Processing

A roller flour mill in the private sector with capacity to process

25 tonnes/day has been established by local entrepreneurs at Chungankadai

near Nagercoil. A biscuit factory has also been commissioned in small scale

sector in Nagercoil.

Cashewnut Industry

Cashew nut processing is predominantly an export-oriented

seasonal industry. The industry came into prominence only during the fifties

and the number of cashew nut factories has since then been on the increase.

The National Nut Company at Palugal, the Vijayalakshmi Cashew nut

Industries and the Raju Vilas Roasting Plant both located at Palavilai are the

main units in this district, while the rest are only small units39.

In Kanyakumari district nearly 400 cashew nut industries are

located in Arumani, Manjalumoodu, Kalliaha vilai, Kadaisalamoodu, Attoor

128

M. Gopala Krishnan, gpxit., p.376.

129

and other areas. Hear thousands of women workers are employed and are

exported to other countries.40

In cashew processing more than 30000 workers are engaged in

this private sector. 41

Khadi and Village Industries

In Kanyakumari district, the khadi scheme was first

implemented in September 1957 by establishing one khadi production centre

and one khadi kraft sales depot at Nagercoil for marketing the khadi and

village industries products of the district.

With a view to promote and develop the khadi and village

industries products in the state, the Tamil Nadu khadi and village industries

board set up in April 1960. The board generates employment opportunities in

rural areas by utilizing the raw materials available in the areas concerned

which in turn help alleviate poverty.

Khadi

The board distributes Ambar charkas to the people engaged in

spinning, at rural textile centers which help the individuals engaged in this

occupation. During 1987 there were 11 khadi production centers, four khadi

krafts and 52 rural textile centers in villages.

40 Dinakaran Daily Newspaper, 9-9-2002, p.9.4 Dstrict Statistical Hand Book, 2003-2004, p.6.

130

These eleven production centers are located at Nagercoil,

Manavalakurichi, Agasteeswaram, Monday market, Villukuri, Marthandam,

Thengampudur, Pottal, Chemparathivilai, Palapallam and Mylaudy. They

supply cotton to the spinners and purchase the yarn produced by them. The

board has been successful in this endeavour in the district. The rural textile

centers provide regular employment to rural folk which are managed by

trained instructors, appointed by the Khadi and Village Industries Board. The

requirements of the centers such as materials and accessories are met by the

board.

Village Industries

Village industries are developed through the units of the khadi

and village industries board as well as through the industrial cooperative

societies registered by the board42.

The production, sales and employment generation of Khadi and

Village Industries in Kanyakumari district in the year 1994-2004 are shown in

the following table.

42 M. Gopala Krishnan, pcjt., p.360-61.

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Mining and Quarrying Industries

Mining and quarrying industries in Kanyakumari district are

mainly located in Kalkulam taluk areas and these industries are located in

other taluk areas also. The location of these industries and their production

potentials are given in the following table. The rate at which these units have

gone up has been brought out by the trend model, figure no. 5.3.

TABLE No.5.7

NUMBER OF MINING AND QUARRYING UNITS IN

KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

Name of the Block! Municipality TotalSi. . Number of

Year-wiseNo Thovalai

Agastee- Kalkulam Vilavan- Mining amClassification swaram code

TalukTaluk TalukTaluk Quarrying

Units

1. 1997-1998 9 17 26 13 65

2. 1998-1999 9 18 45 20 92

3. 1999-2000 10 18 37 13 78

4. 2000-2001 6 15 50 18 89

5. 2001-2002 7 17 52 12 88

6. 2002-2003 0 4 10 26 7 47

7. 2003-2004 1 3 27 9 40

SOURCE: Asst. Director of (ieology and Mining.

FIGURE No. 5.3

TRENDLINE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF MINING AND QUARRYING UNITS

IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

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Identification of Growth Centres

Rural centers with urban characteristics with same basic

infrastructures needed for industrial growth are termed as growth centers.

Even though the district is having enough infrastructure facilities and natural

resources for the development of industries the pace of industrial development

is not encouraging when compared to the other districts.

For fostering speedy industrial growth in this district, the

following centers have been identified by the government as growth centers.

1) Kanyakumari

2) Thovalai

3) Arumanallur

4) Thuckalay

5) Colachel

6) Kalial.

In addition to these, the following centers in the district have

been identified as viable for industrial growth.

1) Alagappapuram in Agasteeswaram Taluk

This area is having good transport and communication facilities

and land is also available at moderate cost, when compared to the urban area.

More number of educated youth who had gone to Gulf Countries, and who

have returned to their native after expiry of their contract periods abroad are

138

interested to start small scale industries banking facilities are also available in

the area.

2) Shen bagaramanputhur

This is a small hamlet in Thovalai taluk where industrial

infrastructural facilities are available. Industrial feeder provided 24 hours

power supply in this area, whereas other areas in Thovalai block are classified

as agriculture feeder. Land is also available at lesser cost in this area.

Transport, water and communication facilities are also available. Tvl. Borar

Moraji Ltd., a large scale industrial unit, functioning in this area, engaged in

the manufacturing of chemically treated rubber wood, provides ample

opportunities for ancillary industrial development in this area. Further

government have proposed to start a "Rubber Industrial Park" in this area and

acquired 75 acres of land. A number of rubber based industries have been

proposed to be set up in this park with the world bank aid and also refinance

facilities to be provided by NABARD.

3) Kozhiporvilai Near Mulagumoodu in Kalkulam Taluk

This area is having sufficient infrastructural facilities such as

power, road, transport facilities, water and communication. Lands are also

available at sufficiently low cost. Few industries have already started in the

area and banking facilities are also available. The climate is also congenial for

industrial growth.

139

4) Killiyoor in Vilavancode Taluk

This area is an elevated plateau, where opportunities for revising

cash crops are very limited and farm lands are available at cheaper rate. Road,

transport and communications facilities are available, banking facilities are

also available. Hence there are infrastructural facilities are available for

industrial growth.

5) Nalloor Near Marthandam

This area is located in the periphery of Kuzhithurai municipality

with hundreds of acres of vacant lands at moderate cost for industrial

harnessing. Broad gauge railway, road, water, transport, market and

communication facilities are available in this area. Banking facility is also

available.

6) Athancode

This area is actually located in a river bed where

Thambirabarani river flows downstream. Land value is also comparatively

less and all infrastructural facilities like road, transport, communication and

banking facilities, water transport facility is also possible through the AVM

channel

Thus it is evident that there is plenty of scope for the existing

rural, cottage and small-scale industries. Further the environmental

background of the district is such that many more such industries could be

started in the years ahead if the District Industries Centre swings into action

still more vigorously.

Action Plan for 1997-98 to 2001-2002, pcIt. , p.50-5 I.