Tamil Nadu is the second biggest producer of rice and is the home land of Dr. M.S. Swami Nathan, known as the "Father of the Green Revolution" in India. The state is historically known for it’s agriculture from ancient times.

The major food crops grown in the state include rice, jowar, ragi, bajra, maize and pulses. Cotton, sugarcane, coconut, tea and coffee are also grown and considered as cash crops. Some farmer produce horticultural products like bananas and mangoes.

Paddy is grown in large excess because rice is the main staple food of the state. There are three crops based on duration. The first one is the ‘Kuruvali’ (the short term crop) with duration of three and a half to four months from June to July to Oct - Nov. The second crop is called the ‘Thaladi’ that grown in 5 to 6 months Oct - Nov to Feb - March. Third is 'Samba' and has a duration of almost 6 months from Aug to January. The major source of irrigation is the rivers, tanks and wells.