Revisiting intensive rice cultivation in irrigated areas: the case of Tamil Nadu, India

This paper describes the rice production system in intensively cultivated and irrigated areas in Tamil Nadu, India, 15 years after the implementation of a project on reversing declining trends in productivity. Current production and marketing practices of farmers are described and compared with previous practices. The cost and profitability of farm production are examined and government policies that supported the local rice industry are identified. The study also determines the best practices and areas for improvement, which can guide practitioners of intensive rice cultivation in other countries.