RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RAINFALL AND INLAND FISH PRODUCTION IN THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU: AN ANALYSIS

Thanjavur predominantly involving in Aquaculture activity after agriculture because the presence of vast potential of inland fishery resources. (5150 ha) The present study was analysed the influence of rainfall on inland fish production. The secondary data regarding Thanjavur district were collected from authorized sources such as State and District Fisheries Department, India Meteorological Department and Thanjavur District Statistical Department.

Fish production of Thanjavur depends on canal irrigation and rainfall. The total gross irrigated area of Thanjavur is 2,39,668 ha, in which 1,74,473 ha area is irrigated by canal, tanks and wells. Relatively greater area is irrigated by canal (1,36,232 ha). Thanjavur district is benefitted more by North East Monsoon Rainfall feeds Cauvery, Grand anicut and other water canals. Normal annual rainfall of Thanjavur is 956mm.

Thanjavur has positive trend on inland fish production from 2013-14 onwards and has reached 13% in total inland fish production of Tamil Nadu during 2016-17. The achieved Annual Average Growth Rate (AAGR) was 63.54% for the last four years. Correlation regression analysis was engaged to find out relationship between Annual Average Rainfall and inland fish production of Tamil Nadu and Thanjavur. Inland fish production of Tamil Nadu has direct relationship (R-0.84) while Thanjavur has indirect relationship (R-0.16) with Annual Average Rainfall (mm).