CHAPTER - IV INDUSTRIAL CHANGES

Introduction In Kanyakumari District there are limited industries in comparison with other Districts in Tamil Nadu. The District has good infrastructural facilities. The important agricultural and commercial centres are connected by well developed net work of roads. There are limited industries in the District. The reasons are lack of mineral resources, industrial raw materials, location at the extreme end of the country and not having proper transport system. The District is classified as an industrially backward District. Any of the industrial institutions qualifying to get financial concession from the financial institutions1. This is one of the villages are electrified. There are two important

industrial towns Marthandam and Nagercoil2. Although the potential for the growth of large scale in the District is low. The availability if infrastructural facilities cheap labour and incentives are generally considered for the growth of industries in the District. The mineral deposits of the District are not very great as they do not include minerals, like iron, copper and manganese which were the essential for starting large industries. How ever some as the common minerals of high quality which are being extracted in the District are made of use in several industries. How ever the District offers scope for the establishment of few shoe to industries. By their nature industries could be located any part of the District.

1 2

Credit plan, Government of TamilNadu, Kanyakumari District, Madras, 1978, p.111 Ibid.

Several foot loose industries have been identified as suitable location in the District, after having taken reasonable care that adequate potential exists for the products of these industries. Taluk wise industries Kanyakumari District consisted of four taluks viz Kalkulam, Thovalai, Agasteeswaram and Vilavancode. Some of the industries flourishing these taluks. Thovala Taluk It is situated eastern portion of Padmanabhapuram division. In this taluk pazhayar is used for navigation. For navigating goods one place to another place. Most of the village roads using for transportation and export purposes to other Districts. Important Products Paddy, Sugarcane, tapioca tea are important products. They are exported to other Districts3. There are fruit bearing trees and fruits are like, jack, mango, banana etc. exported to other slates. Shellac Industry This industry is found in Thovala taluk rarely. Shellac made from the acacia a tree, Government appointed the persons to study about this industry. To establish this industry throughout the District4.

3 4

Industrial survey, S.G. Barker, p. 193, Trivandrum, p. 449. Ibid.

Kalkulam Taluk Important products Paddy, tapioca, coconuts, Palmyra, rubber and tea are the important agricultural products which are all exported to other states. Minerals Mica deposits are found in Kappiyara area. Graphite also found in many places5. Coconut industry Some hundreds of people are engaged in this industry. Copra making and oil pressing are carried in this taluk6. Toddy drawing It is an important industry in the taluk. Toddy drawing jaggery making are the important industries among Nadars through out the taluk However Government of Tamil Nadu is inchange of toddy drawing and sale. Mat Marketing Palmyra mats and basket are made by the local people. The people get materials for mats from Pathamadai. The mats are in different colours.

Coir Industries
5 6

Ibid. Ibid.

It is a beautiful art. There is limited coir industries in the taluk 7. The coir is derive from coconut fibre. It gives employment to hundreds of people. Agasteeswaram Taluk It is situated almost in the southern division of the District. Back Waters and Rivers Pazhayar and Puthanar are the important rivers. They are for communication through waters from Colechal to Cape comorine Colachel is the nearest Sea-port8. Industry Cotton cultivation is found Agasteeswaram, Parakkai and Thengamputhoor. They produce large quantity of cotton and export it9. Vilavancode Taluk Roads Almost roads at this taluk are good and they are used for transportation of goods. Buses, mini bus, lorries and other vehicles using for traveling and transportation of goods one place to another place.

Railway
7 8 9

Ibid Ibid, p.445. Ibid.

Railway network extended in the taluk. Kuzhithurai, Palliyadi and Eranial are the important railway stations. transportation of goods. Industry The main occupation of the people is agriculture. engaged in toddy drawing mat making and other industries10. Trade and Commerce Trade flourished once in this District. A started was set up for the Some of the people Railway is also used by the passengers and

measurement and weight. Researche Sadasiva Pantarathar gave the list of the following 5 Sevidu 2 alaku 2 ulakku 2 uri 6 nali 15 kurni 1 alaku 1 ulakku 1 uri 1 nali 1 kurni 1 kalam

In this measures were used during the regin of venad kings. In 1970 a coin minting factory was established at Padmanabhapuram by king Ramavarmma 11. In this coin mint factory gold, silver and copper coins were minted. During the pardya rule 7th and 8th century A.D. Sea trade was flourished. Chola raja puram and Kottar were important commercial centres during chola reign.
10 11

Ibid. p. 435 Padmanabhapuram through ages, N. Muhammed Husain, 1994, p. 127.

During the 12th century Venad rulers wielded power. During their regin, Monday market, Marthandam, Kottar, Thiruvithamcode, Vadasseri were important centres for trade12. During the regin of Marthanda varma a sea fotress was build to prevent invasion by pirates. During the regin of his successor Ramavarma of Travancore. Colechal port was built13. Through this port trade flourished in his regin. There was political pressure from the British. Hence Ramavarma made the subsidiary treaty with British, in 1805. By this treaty Ramavarma got 8 lakhs annually for the maintenance of British army in Padmanabhapuram region. Aromboli pass served as a straight point of merchants. Chithira Thirunal, Maharaja a last ruler of Travancore, laid a cement road between cape comorine and Trivandrum gave more facilities to trade and commerce14. Foreign Trade This District had a trade relations with many foreign countries with many foreign countries like China, Portugal, Denmark and England. Chinese had trade relation with this District, till they were driven out by Portuguese. Pepper, clove, cardamom and other spices were exported to Denmark and England. Colechal, Kottar and Eraniel. Cotton fabrics were exported. Moreover leepuram and puthanthara are other important ports15.

12 13 14 15

Ibid. p.115. Ibid. Ibid. p.117 Ibid, p. 127

Imports Paint, iron, blackled, tin, steel, oions, garlic, mustered, sugar cardy, coir and steel, wheat, cotton steel, wheat, sappanroot, copper bell metal, white cotton seed, cotton, dry chillies, grapes, doll, bullocks and hard kerchiefs were imported through Aramboly pass16. Export Sandal, dry ginger, green ginger, jaggery, different kind of cordage, Cable, Corah, arrowroot, copra, coprabrawn, coffee, sugar, salt fish, aracanut, tamerined, turmeric, cloths or different colours, coconut rice, paddy, coconut oil, spon wood, irdigo, all things were exported through this region17. Currency Once this region had its own coinage. It had silver panam (23 among bronze chuckram) (6.74 ana)cash (4.2. paise) purator rupee (7 chuckram). The British India coin was in circulation18. The local coins had only lowers domination. A panam is equal to 16 cash (copper coin) 28 Chuckram equal to a rupee, a Chuckram is being near by 6 grain tray19.

Chamber of Commerce

16 17 18 19

Ibid. Ibid. p. 129 Ibid, p. 129. Ibid.

Chamber of commerce in this division was situated at Nagercoil. It was started in 1109 (M.E)20. Ports There is a port at Colechal. It is an ancient sea port. The Dance once had factory at Colachel. They could important export easily21. This ships could easily reach this port. Coffee, Cotton and fabrics were exported from here. In 17 th century English established a portin Anjenco. During the regin of Rama varma of Travancore Colachel port was built 22. It is a natural port. Almost 4800 tonne goods were exported to foreign countries per year. There was loading and unloading generally during middle of March to November. A shipping man was appointed to maintain all harbour works23. Colechal is situated 5 kms of north west of Kadiappattanam. Danish ships reached in Colechal to take goods from Kottar including pepper. The king or Travancore gave tax tree for Danes purchasing things from Colachel24. Through colachel port all commodities were exported. External trade was carried on through port. There were road ways. Then it will go by railway to all other parts of the country. There was very little exports through railways25. The major exports from this division are Palmyra palms, fish products, weaving, aparal, timber, tea, tapioca, rubber, fruits, sugar, mannar etc. The important imports are iron, tobacco, cotton cloths, glass ware, soaps, cement, stationary etc.
20 21 22 23 24 25

Travancore State Marudi. Vol. IV. T.K. Velupillai, Tvm, 1909, p. 106. Ibid. p.30 M. Muhammed Husian, Op. cit, p. 116. Second five year plan, Kanyakumari District, Government of Tamilnadu, Madras, p. 53. K. K. Kusuman, History of Trade and Commerce in Travancore, (1600-1805) Tvm. P.25. T.K. Velupillai, op.cit., p. 609.

Mostly internal trade is carried on with wholesale and retail markets were connected by roads. Industries There are limited industries in the District. The industries are divided into small scale industries and village / rural industry. During the five year plan it helped the industries like hand Pownding of rice, oil pressing and handicrafts such as manufacturing or fancy articles from shells rattan work and bell metal industry 26. Through out the District 7664100 ms are available. Government helped all working class through many schemes. Small scale industries There are some small scale industries in the District. These industries are the back bone of the economy District. During the second plan period Rs. 1 crore was spent for small scale industries27. Flour mills and Wet Grinders In flour mills any kind of cereals like paddy, wheat and millet are changed intoflour. Throughout the District in all villages and towns flour mills are available. During the second plan they allotted money to start flour mills through out the District. Per each mill they provided Rs. 8000. In such a way they provided money for start fruits through out the District. Oil pressing

26 27

Second Five year plan, Govt. of India, New Delhi, p. 7. Credit plan, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Madras, p. 69

It is one of the important cottage industries in the District. The main centres are Kottar, Kanjampuram, Vadasseri, Eranial and Myladi 28. There are two kinds of oils. Edible oil and non edible oil. Non edible oil is produced from laurel, illuper, odai, pine , anjili, rubberseed, Karinjotta, Margosa and lemon grass. Laurel oil is extracted in Tamarkkulam. Margosa seeds also used for oil marking. There are two important edible oil, coconut oil and ground nut oil. The mill owners one used the old methods to extract oil29. The Kasturba centre (a Government organization at Kuzhithurai) provided 1.60 lakhs for the establishing of an oil pressing cum training centres to the trainees. They converted oil chekkus (oil making centres) into modern one. Financial assistance is given to the kasthurba centre. During the second plan period. They provided money to start 30 oil units through out the District per units they provided Rs. 500030. Oil Mills Kumar Oil mills Kanjampuram It started in 1982. It is owned N.M. Rajes Kumar. It is investment Rs. 25,000. It is a small scale industry. Here less than 5 workers are working here. Approximately their profit Rs. 50,000 per year31.

Lekshmi Oil Mills

28 29 30 31

Kanyakumari District Gazatteer, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1981, p. 376. Credit plan, Kanyakumari District, Government of Tamil Nadu , Madra, p. 102. Ibid. A personal interview with V.M. Rajesh Kuamr, Kanjampuram, 08/01/2011.

10

It is situated at Ramapuram. It was started in 1999. Only 3 workers are here Rs. 200,000 as their investment. It is iwned by Murugan and his profit per year is Rs. 2500032. Coconut fibre and coir industry From the coconut husk is not made coconut fibre and coir. The fibre can be used as fuel or trash33. The District has a large area of coconut grooves. But most husks are exported to Kerala because of scarcity of back water. During the second five year plan they provided Rs. 25,000 to open some coir making in the District 34. The bristles and fibres removed from the coconut husk. The coconut fibre is the basic material for making many produces like coir, doormats, rubberised coir production etc 35. The fibre is used in railways, automobiles and furniture padding materials. In the coastal area of the District 50 % of the husk is used for extraction of fibre. A major production of coir products sent to other Districts. The state Government runs a school at Ethamozhi to train the persons manufacture of coir and coir products. From husk people manufacture fibre, mats, mating, rug and carpet. It will increase employment opportunities36. In coastal areas majority people involves in this industry. They do extraction of fibre through yearns37. There are some factories in Sea shore.

32 33 34 35 36 37

A personal interview with Murugan, Ramapuran, 08.01.2011. Credit plan, op.cit. p. 69. Second five year plan, op.cit, p. 43. Credit plan op.cit. p. 70. Ibid. Ibid.

11

Coir factory, Puthurai There are two coir factories at Puthurai. In one factory there are 10 workers and another factory there are 15 workers. Each workers receives Rs. 150 as daily salary. The annual profit is Rs. 50,000 for each factories at Puthurai. Kollemcode, Vaikkallore, Kalingarajapuram are the important coir making centres of the District38. Coir Industry in Kollencode In this area more than 35 % at the people engage in this coir making business as a cottage industry. Their investment Rs. 25,000. Their daily profit is Rs. 75 to 100. It is traditional work for them39. In Kollencode coir workers formed as a co-operative society. The society is located in Kuthagapattom lard. But Government sanctioned for the Society40. An unit will require a fixed capital Rs. 160 Lakhs for starting a coir yarn. Rs. 80 Lakhs as working capital. The total credit required per unit Rs. 2.40 lakhs. During the credit plan period it allowed the loan for starting 10 units throughout the District. Thus it improved employment opportunities41. Cashew Processing Unit In Kanyakumari District almost 67 Cashew factories are here. Almost 10, 000 workers are working in these factories. The name of the major company groups are
38 39 40

Personal interview with uthaman coir factory owner, Puthurai, 05/01/2011. Personal interview with Aiyyappan, (Kollencode 06/07.2011). File No. 33791 Reveneuel / Kollencode coir workers co-operative cottase industrial society Dated. 12/01/1969. Credit plan, Op. cit. p. 71.

41

12

Vijayalekshmi Cashew factory, Prathap Cashew Company, V.L.C. etc. All these cashew group factories started between 1960 to 1970. The companies have 10 % growth rate42. The salary for the staff Rs. 3000 to Rs. 9000. All have group insurance. Daily bata Rs. 80 for women labourers, for cutting is Rs. 12.85, Peeling Rs. 15, grading Rs. 15 per Kilo. Daily they earn Rs. 75 to Rs. 200 per day. 3 months salary is given as bonus and an advance is given for Onam. Up to 58 years employees can work in the factory. There after they will receive pension. Some of them receive Rs. 1200 as pension43. Padmanabhapuram is famous for cashew processing. Saw Mills There are more than 50 mills in the District. The increasing demand for wooden furniture and size for holding construction, oftered scope for many more saw mills.

Wooden furniture units Many wooden furniture units are found through out the District. The small items of furniture are made by carpenters in their homes. furniture units. JOSCO Industries, Marthandam There are two wooden

42 43

Personal Interview with Chinthamani V.L.C. employ Pinkulam, 12/11/2011. Personal interview with Unnithan, Manager V.L.C. Cashew industries Kuzhiturai, 14/11/2011.

13

It is situated at Marthandam. It was started in 1992. It is owned by A.J. Alex, total investment Rs. 1 crore almost 120 workers are working here. Its branches are in Kerala State. Raw materials are imported from foreign countries. Bonus is paid during Christmas. All of them have insurance. It has 10 % growth rate44. PCN wood industries, Kanjampuram It is located at Kanjampuram, investment for the business is 25 lakhs. In this firm there are 10 workers. It was started in 1997. Raw materials are derived from local and from import. The workers get Rs. 3000 to 5000 as bonus. Insurance is given to all employees45. This institution is the better institution in the local area. Bakery There are many bakeries in the District. In town areas more bakeries exist. During the credit plan period. They opened 25 more bakeries in town and villages. For each scheme they provide Rs. 3000 Rs. Lakh spent for this purpose.

Fabrication shops The increase or more buildings for steel fabrication products. The

approximate investment Rs. 80, 000 credit plan period the scheme provided Rs. 16, 000 to start 2 units in the District46.

44 45 46

Personal interview with A.J. Alex, Josco, Industries Marthandam 31/12/2010. Interview with Paulraj, owner PCN firm Kanjampuram 08/11/2011. Credit plan, Op.cit., p.72

14

Printing Press All the block head quarters had printing press. During the credit plan period they provided loan for Rs. 3000 to start printing press. Cottage Industries There are limited cottage industries in all taluk. In Kalkulam and

Agasteeswaram taluk poor people engage business on Palm leaf products. They also made baskets47. In Vilavancode taluk major cottage industries are poultry and palmleaf products. Some of the cottage industries are Soap making There are limited people engaged in this business. They manufactured bar soaps and soft soaps. Some of the units use non edible oil extracted from locally available neem, laurel etc48. During the credit plan period they provided loan to start 2 units Rs. 25 Lakhs some important places of the District. Candle making The industry is carried on through out the District as a cottage industry. For starting one candle making unit Rs. 5000 needed. During the plan period they produced money to start 10 units49. Poultry Poultry farm functions under the control of YMCA at Muzhucode. The poultry Co-operative society at Marthandam sells 3000 eggs in Marthandam market per week 220 families earn on income from chicken and cocks of superior breeds were supply by Indian council Agricultural Research under this scheme Rs. 500 is provided for the purchasing of poultry equipments. In each poultry 50 or 100 birds can be found
47 48 49

T.K. Velupillai, Travancore State Manual Vol. IV, p. 606 Credit plan, Op. cit., p.72 Ibid, p. 83.

15

in rural areas.

This is the industry small farmers and landless labourers.

The

Government arrange free veterinary services to the birds of poultry form. It allotted Rs. 3000 for the improvement of poultry farm. During the plan period this scheme helped to start 50 units of poultry form they period 50 birds for the purchasing of these birds Rs. 150050. Basket making There are a number of people involving in this industry Mostly the industry flourishes near by the western ghats. The area has bamboo and reeds. They made a number of articles from bamboo and reeds the most popular variety is the cylindrical basket with tapering bottom and has a wide mouth which is used for plucking fruits, flowers betalleaves such perishable items for transportation from one place to another. They also made flower baskets packing baskets, bullock cart covers and window Screens. During the credit plan period 300 artisans got Rs. 200 each 51. Government allowted Rs.7000 for the welfare of this family members or those workers52.

Mat weaving It is one or the important collage industries in the district. This work is done by women folk and children. Mats are produced in different size. Mats that can be folded into smaller sizes are also made Majority of the artisans are engaged in this activity. This industry is carried on in Thuckala, Thovala, Kulasekharam, verkilambi, Thittuvila, Atoor, Manavalakkurichi, Chembakputhoor, kottaram and kottar. The main problem faced by mat weavers are marketing their products. They sell in them in the village markets.
50 51 52

Credit plan, Op.cit., p. 65. Ibid P. 77 File No. 1493 (I. L.C) Financial assistance to the cottage industry Dated 21- 3- 1960

16

A mat weaver requires a land Rs. 300 for the purchase of korai, yarns and dyes. During the credit plan period 400 artisans got Rs. 300 each. The total Rs. 1120 lakhs was spent for this industry53. Palm leaf products Articles made of Palmyra leaves such as mats packing mats, fancy article eto have a vericty of use. Baskets are used for packing fish, flowers jaggery and other commodities. Palmyra leaf articles are made in all blocks Fancy articles which made from the palm leaves such as basket and boxes attract the attention of tourists. It is sold in kadiappattinam and kanyakumari palm mats are used for homely uses An artisan family consists of two or three working members. Each person required loan Rs. 500 towards purchase of equipments and raw like leaf sheets, dyes etc. During credit plan period 400 artisans received Rs. 500 each. The total amount was 12 lakes. The artisans take young palm on lease for the extraction fibre. The fibre is sent foreign countries. They are used for making brushes. The raw fibre is sorted out combed, sized and fold to trader. During the credit plam period it gave Rs. 2 lakhs as 10am54. Duckrearing Duck rearing is found in some area of Thovala and Agasteeswaram taluks. A flock consists 30 dozens of ducks A duck is laying for six months. An unit consists of 330 laying birds and 30 drakes will yield about Rs. 50,000 per year. During the plan period loan was given for unit margin basis55. Product manutactuncd

Type or cottage
53 54 55

Parentage of total engaged

Credit plan P. 83 Ibid p. 83 Ibid P.65

17

industries 1 2. 3. Corai and pin mat Korai and screwpine wcauing Palms leaves Palm leat product

different Population cottage industries 0 . 42 0 . 35 0 .02

Rattan and bamboo Basket and house hold articles utensils furnitvc bags baskets Hand printing Screw pine Fishnet making Cashew kernel Carpentry works black smiths Brick and tileworks Biscuit Bakor Beedicigar Toys and doll making Agabarthi printers an cloth mats Mats Nct making Processing of kernel Agricultural implements Do Manufacture Biscuits Manufacturing bead and cigar Toys and dolls Agarbarthi

4. 5. 6 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14

0. 04 0. 62 1.18 0. 72 0 . 45 0. 26 0. 18 0. 1 0. 1 0.1 0.156.

Some other Small scale Industries.

Name of unit 1. 2. Wooden furniture Steel almarah

Location Marthardam, Kanjampuram, Nagercoil. Marthandam, Karingal,

56

KK D Gazatteer op. cit p. 377

18

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Printing and stationary Candle units Cashewroasting units Confectionary Asafoetida

Nagercoil, Marthandam Thuckalai, Karingal. Nagercoil, Mulangaravila Melpuram, palavilai, Alanchi,Arumanai. Nagercoil, Marthandam, Thiruritham code. Nagercoil

These are the small scale industries in the Distric57. Industrial Co operatives There is the growth of small scale industries by the help of C0 operatives under the small scale industries. There are many type of industries. Such as oil extraction, fibre works ,coir works, metal casting, umbrella manufacture industrial engineering printing press and rubber manufacturing like wise they also contribute to the development of traditional handicrafts such as stone images, wood carvings, palmleaves products, lace embroidery sea shell and bamboo articles etc58. The Tamil Nadu state Industrial Co operative Bank Ltd In 1961 Industrial C0 operative societies were established Tamil Nadu
59

.The various industrial Co operative District are as follows 1. Kanya kumari District Central coir marketing society. 2. Mullangana vila cour works industrial Co operative society.

57 58 59

Ibid I bid p. 379 I bid

19

3. Nagercoil umbrella manufacture Co operative societies60. Assistance to Small Scale industries Department of industry and commerce had drawn up number of development scheme for registration of small scale industries, providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs through banks and other financial institutions, check about the materials on pricrity basis at reasonable prices assuming the furnished products61. Many other institution like Tamil Nadu Development C0 operation (THDC) also giving financial assistance to the entre preneurs to start industries. The assistance is by way of finance and infrastructure. Rural | Village industries The Village industries may be defined that those manufacture articles noted in the village utilizing tools and the implements calling with financial capacity of the villagers carrying on the industries giving more employments to the unemployment people. The khadi and village industries commission and Tamil Nadu Khadi and village industries provide assistance to artisans by way of loan, for meeting working capital requirements and also for the purchase of tools and implements in the case of industries. They gave assistance to industries providing training marketing etc. khadi spinning, beekeeping carpentry black smothery and pottery are some important village industries covered by this agencies. Handloom

60 61

I bid p. 380 Ibid

20

Tamil Nadu famous for Handloom and weaving and silks. Kanjipuram silk is world famous and kottar, Eranial are famous in kanyakumari District for hardlooms 62. The higher class people consumption over all silk and cotton. Thus demard for handloom dress increased. The new demand for handloom products enhanced hot only handloom industry but also cotton factories63. There are 13157 handlooms in the District 8776handlooms are under the Co- operating fold During the second five-year plan it gave 100m to 5540 additional 100ms for Co- operative field and they also gave loan for build housing colony constructions for awareness. By this scheme including marketing facilities improved throughout the District 64. The present coverage of

handloom is 61% wearers concenterated Agasteeswaram, Thuckala, kurunthancode, blocks Amost 40% of the handlooms is idle. From this District weavers producing varieties of dothies, saree and towels. Palliyadi and vadasseri are two important handloom weaving centres. Some other important certre are Aramboly, Monday Market, Atoor, Thottavarar and puthalam. Handloom Board mainly is controlled by District collector and the Deputy Registrar of Co- operative Societies will be the scholarly of Board. A subsidiary sanctioned for the hardloom weavers at vadasseri in 1962 Government gave subsidiary Rs. 14,7000 all weavers in vadasseri65. Again the Co- operative sanctioned of 48 homes for the weavers. They allotted Rs. 2,19, 200with 5% subsidiary66. In kannakode Government allotted 29 cents promboke to the handloom
62 63 64 65 66

Vijaya Ram swami, Textile and weavers in south India, , 1965, Oxford press P. 12 Douglas Hay, Towards a History of consumption in south Asia Oxford press. 1971 p. 65 Secord five year plan op. cit p. 44 File No. 3310 (I.L.C) 10-10-1957 District handloom Board for k k Dt File No 1309 ( I.L.C ) 1982 Handloom industry, Madras

21

co- operative society to start kannakkode, a nearer village of Governor issued order for it collector the land to start yarn67.

Manavala Kurichi

The Co operative societies gave credit facilities to the weavers. During the credit plan period the scheme gave 1500 100m covered by the societies Co- operative societies barreled Rs. 40 .72 lakhs from Co- operative Bank. The commercial bank too had the scope for financing to weavers. Because individual weavers have a little bargaining capacity so that they selling their products at low prices. So the weavers meet commercial banks for loan. During the credit plan period weavers got 600 weavers Rs. 1500%and Rs.1500 as loan for 1000 weavers total credit requirements Rs. 24 lakes68. Khadi Khadhi spinning is a secondary occupation for agricultural laborers. During the plan period Government introduced khadhi scheme in the District. The amber charka is widely used in all parts of the District. The amber charka is widely used in all parts of the District69. Thovala, Agasteeswaram, kottaram swamithoppu. Asarippallam and Kurunthancode Financial assistance provided for 400 persons Rs. 750 per unit total out lay 3 lakhs. The Akila Bharata Seva Sangam and Khadhi industrial; board function in this District. During the credit plan period 21 centres and 21 sub centres were opened throught out the District. It increased the production of yarn and work for 15,000

67 68

File No .48 44 ( I.L.C) 1965, Home allowed Hand 100m weavers Madras Egmore - 8 File No 3260 (Revenue ) loan allotment Madras Egmore - 8 Creedit plan op cit p. 75

69

22

spinners and 1000 weaves in the District 70. The secretary of state khadi and village industries Board has requested to Kanyakumari collector to sanction 77 cents and Rs. 85000. to construct Khadi godowin at Myladi. Kanyakumari District collector has sanctioned the amount and lard for the construction of godwin at myladi71. Weaving The Government opened a weaving Department in Medam 1095. It gives instruction to the weavers in and around Eraniel. It has been working under S.M.R.V technical school at Nagercoil. The saliyars pattarayars are the weavers community in kottar and surrounding region72. The weavers at Kottar used silk from the Kollegal, Madras presidency, Mysore, Bengal. They imported gold, Silver threads from china, France, Few families know the secret of the gold and silver thread making73. The Dewan Ramavarmma introduced improvements to the town of Kottar by inviting a number of weavers and painters from other regions. Thus the kottar got more prosperity and formed great Depot for the supply of cloths to the whole Travancore74. Spinning and weaving are one of the important industries in the district. The saliyars were the chief caste engaged in weaving. This caste can be found at Vadasseri. The saliar provided temple materials to decorate temples. The indigenous, kattimundu, tuppatta, neriyathu, kavani were the fashionable cloth once. Some of the fine cloth women at Eraniel75.
70 71 72 73 74 75

Second Fiveyear plan op.cit p.743. File No. 3256 ( Revenue) 7-11-1963.( A file from Madras Archives) Velupillai Vol IIIop.cit. p.546 Ibid p. 547. Sankunny menon, History of Travancore Tvm, 1957 p. 75. T.R. Ramachandran Trivandrum History of Nanchinad, ,Truvandrum 1994 p.162.

23

In Edalakudi and parakka some families involved in this industry for their livelihood. Among the weavers some of them weave gold lace, lapels, pincushion covers, lace. There is much demand in foreign countries for the cloths from vencode, vadasseri and kottar of this District. The cloth merchants had debts in their cloth trade with English. The company advanced 1000 candics to porbandar in Gujarat Rs. 130 per candy76. Weaving Depot It was opened in 1920. at Eranial. There are three kind of flying shuttle looms viz salvation loom, simple loan and chaterton loan. This institution taught to the local weavers methods of weaving and design. It also amalgamated with S.M.R.V Technical institute Nagercoil77. Lace making The lace making was introduced by Mrs. Mault a women missionary of London mission society who began to teach the lace making to poor women in and around nagercoil78. Beligan who runs a convent at Mulagumoodu in the naticral highway near Azhakia pardipuram. He taught the women all kind of lace making and embroidery. They had branches capecomorine, Nagercoil, Asaripallam, and Kulasekharam. The best quality of materials were provided for their centers to make lace. The Mulakumoodu

76

M.Devaraj Col. Maccaulay The resident of Travancore a study 1994, Madurai p.211.(A Thesis from Madurai Kamaraj University) Immanual, Srimullan Tirunal and his region (1885-1924) 1994, Madurai.p.210. T.K. Velupillai.Vol III Op.cit p.553

77 78

24

convent makes finer verieties of lace79. Mrs. Mead also taught them sewing, spinning and knitting. She introduced pillowl lace. Christian missinories opened schools to teach such industries to the women and girls80. The profits gained by this lace industry spent for clothing and education of the children81. Lace and embroidery fostered as an industry throughout the District. Under the supervision of London missionary society started the first school in Nagercoil in 1823. Even today the industry exists throughout the District82.

Nagercoil In the 19th century London missionaries started this industry here. Almost 1200 workers worked here. They got additional teaching for lace making by the missinories. This school was under the control of B.B Duthie in 1866 a woman missionary from England. They taught students to make pillows 83.B.B Duthie selected some skilled girls from the Boarding school and trained them in the art of lace making 84 Agasteeswaram From this area almost women were participants of lace industry. More than 350 women were employed. This work was started by Miss cox she had a proper Depot and catalogues of paterns etc85.
79 80

Ibid p.554 R.N.Vesudas A peoples revolt in travancore, A background movement for social freedom, Tvm, 1981 p.6
81

82 83 84 85

Mini M.L, The Histry of women protestant Misinarios in Travancore 2008 p.96( A Thesis from Karala University) S.G. Barker op.cit. p.201 Ibid Mini op.cit. p.104 Ibid

25

Thengamputhur and Parakka Above 1000 christian women in these pakuthies were making lace. This was an usual industry among the people. Terur and Tamarakkulam pakuthies also 1500 people were working in lace industry. Lace making and embroidary of great importance flourished in this taluk86. Through this lace making the women improved their economic condition. They started branches like neyyoor, Agastheeswaram through out the District . In 1947 nagercoil and Neyyoor acquired more progress87. Many of them worked in lace industry in and around padmanabhapuram. They made head dress, cushion covers. It is used by rich persons88. The mission sold the finished laces in domestic and foreign markets. They had collaborated with state Government. The missionary ladies of the distant places like Allahabad and coonoor they helped to sell products of mission centers. They promoted women education in the related areas. Every mission District they were 1000 women workers. Most of the women depened on this income for their livelihood89. Embroidery It was introduced by London mission society at Nagercoil. It began to spread through out the District by the missionaries90. Missionary ladies conducted embroidery classes for unemployed girls. By the dawn of 20th century this industry reached of its development91.
86 87

Ibid Yesudas, Protestant church and medical mission in south Travancore, 1986, Madurai p.62(A Thisis from Madurai Kamaraj University) N.Muhammed Husain op.cit p.163. Yesudhason op.cit p.63 T.K.Velupillai. Vol. III op.cit.p.554. Yesudhason op.cit.p.65.

88 89 90 91

26

There were more than 18000 workers in Nagercoil mission District profit exceded Rs.40,000. In 1922 they contributed ( Embroidery workers) Rs. 500 for the construction of next building for girls at Nagercoil. During 1930 Neyyoor flourished thoroughly embroidery industries. The Marthandam mission also showed profit Rs. 25000-305000 during 1925-1930. British Government also removed the import duty on lace materials. This Industry second regular markets. New fashion emerged all over the District. So that this industry came down. They had trade relation with Australia and Europe92. Carpentry and black smithery. There are a lot of carpenters and black smiths doing their industry in this District Their work was manufacturing and repairing agricultural implements. They also made wooden furniture house construction. The blacksmiths manufacture implements like crowlbars, buckets,milk cones, jaggery pans, bullock carts, cattle shoes etc. Black smiths and carpenters live in rural areas. They work as agricultrural labourers during the ploughing and harvesting seasons. During the off season they undertook their traditional work. The artisans working lotals days a month.During the plan period they gave 1.65 lakhs as loan. Village pottery It is a traditional industry in the various part of the District. In Tengampudur the pottery work flourished. The cooking utensils were manufactured here 93. In suchindram also people engaged in this industry. They made house hold articles like plates, pots by clay. Potters settled a large number in Thazhakudy, Therkalputhoor,
92 93

Ibid Credit plan op cit p.768

27

Thamarakkulam, Kunnathoor and Nalloore. Most of them working for daily wages. The poor artisans exploit by business men. They sell their products weekly shandies94. During the plan period Rs. 6 lakhs gave as loan more over this plan had a vision to make co-operative societies among the potters to improve economic conditions of potters. Black Industry This is an important industry concenterated on the road side of Thovala, Mulagumoodu and Nullivilai95. Other places for this industry are villukury,Thiruvattar, Attoor and pacode. Some are big brick industries and others are small and they give employment opportunities to agriculturistis. A small brick kilns has the capacity to produce 2 lakhs bricks in season. During the plan period spent Rs.2 lakhs for this industry Limekilns It can be found all over the district. Mostely it is found in Thittuvilai, Kadukkarai and Villukkuri. Instead of cement lime stone is used through out the

District. During the credit plan period it gave Rs.80,000 as loan. Thus industry flourished through out the District96. Palmgur It was carried on the blocks of killiyor, melpuram and others. During 1956557 intensive work has been started for that purpose 11 trained men have been appointed.

94 95 96

Credit plan op.cit p.79 K.K.Dist Gazatteer p.376 Credit plan op.cit p.80.

28

On the 500 families produce better palymgur smockless overs by this scheme introduce to make palmgur. A subsidiary Rs. 10,000 has been included for the construction of marketing facilities A suggection has been District for establishment of research status for improving of palm produce and starting for a jaggery factory97. During the credit plan period Rs. 30 lakhs was allotted loan for the improvement of the palm gur industry98. Tiles and pottery It is another rural industry flourishing throughout the District. The cooking utensils were manufactured here. In suchindram area some families are engaging in this industry. Village leather industry and cobblers. Many artisans are engaged in leather works. This industry mostly can be found in thovala and suchindrum. They produced leather foot wears. Most of the workers are illiterate and old fashioned. They were not willing to change their process and improve methods. During te credit plan period Rs.20000 was allotted for the improvement of cobblers99. Sewing machines
97 98 99

Second five year plan op. cit p.41 Ibid Credit plan op.cit p.85

29

Sewing machines are in great demand not only from trained women but also house wifes of low income families. More over they made garments. They have good market at Marthandam. A large number of women got training through many institution. This work was taught by missionaries in Kanyakumari District100. Palm industry The palm trees are one of the multiuse monocot trees confined in the tropical regions of the world101. Its scientific name is Flabelliform Limn. Its tribe is Borassa. There are male and female varieties. From this palm people tap today and near in the southern part of India. They are rich in carbohydrates. People use this tree in many ways. They prepare edible items, fire wood and ornament items from this tree. Palm climbing and production of jaggery from here form the main occupation of Nadars102. The palm climbers usually climb on the palm tree in the morning and evening for extract toddy. In the evening they climb .The tree and apply lime or chunam on the pot after slicing the edge of the spadix. Jaggery is used for preparing snacks and sweet items and is other used in indigenous medicine. They presented palm candy and playgoer to foreigners. In 1937 Eranial taluk alone 725000 palm available almost 25 % were taped. The Palmyra provides raw materials for cottage industries handicrafts and variety of cheaper thatching material. It gives oil came sago and wax. The tough lathery is used for a quite number of purposes like thatching basket weaving, toy making handicrafts and fodders, edible products from palm are palm fruits seeds tender apical

100 101 102

Ibrid Renuka palms of kerala Thrssur 1991 p. 1 Nagam Aiya, Tranancore state Manual vol II Tvm1906, p.75

30

portion of stem and storage products. It contaims starch and sugar. It is used for making button and beds the germinating seed lings (palm seeds) are used for edible purpose103 The Palmyra fiber was one of the most .important industries in south Travancore. The industry was owned by two firms Homely . In colechal alone 1500 persons were working in the factories. They produced house brooms cloth brushes. These things were sent to foreign countries and they were approved by foreign firms104. In KanyaKumari District the un availability of local markets caused a lot of hindrances to the palm producers. Since the low castle Nadars were the main producers of palm products However markets are available in Thuckala, colechal vadasseri and In these markets they sold jaggery palm candy whisk broom, rubbing brushes and ordinary brooms105. There was a great demand for fibre in Europe and japan. The baskets made out of fibre were stronger. For mat weaving house brooms and brushes palmyra leaves were used. They were sent as samples and approved by name in foreign firms 106 .In 1937 these things exported to japan and earned Rs. 10, 000 There after exports were limited In this connection Resident of Travancore suggested to levy export duty on jaggery and palm candy produced at Thuckala for instance during the period 1 11 1935 to 15 11 1935 they were collected Rs. 10 to 12.50 as export duty on jaggery 107 The division exported 151, 59 kg jaggery The second place goes to Eranial.Taluik

103 104 105 106 107

Renuka op cit p. 20 I bid I bid Ibid File No 96421 | DVPT Export duly on jaggery Bundle No 198 Industrial section kerala state Archives Trivandrum

31

The condition of Palmyra workers was not good they were suppressed by high-class They wanted a deliverances from it seventy started an association called as Nadar Mahajana Sanga in 1910108. With the help of Christian missionaries a large number of Nadars were converted in to Christianity As per the census of 1991 there were 85 villages in kanyakumari District with 600, 349 people. Out of them 327 516 house hold were Nadars. more than quarter population of the District palmyra climbers. They mostly concentrated on vilavancode Talk. During the seventies former C.S.I bishop samue Amirtham haopened to meet a frierd from Holland he got a meet Benvick, his internal strrings caused by miserable existence of tapers Amirtham worked with the palmyra workers in jafna in srilanka. Amirthams thoughts stumple upon an organisthan and started palmya workers Development society in 1978 at Marthandam, When Samuel Amirtham was the president funds were allowed by Benvicks organisthan for the economic upliftment of the tapers 109. The organization rended marvelous service to poor tapers. It offered loans for the uplifiment of tapers family, students aged home for tapers and set up an adoption center and began medical pastorate centers in many parts of the District. Bee keeping It is one of the important industries in the District has evergreen forest in the western ghats, the rubber plantantations adjoining forests and rich orchids different varieties of following of trees provide example bee pasturage. The bee keeping center was introduced by Govt. of India. It gives training to 150 persons different parts of India.

108 109

Surya moorthi ,The History of palnyra workrs development society ,2000, Marthandam p.25 Ibid

32

There are 6 co-operative involving in these activities. Marthandam Bee keepers co-operative society is the biggest one. The society took responsibility for beekeeping throughout the District. The Marthandam Bee-keepers co-operative society ltd. No. 2050 Marthandam It estabilished in 19-3-1937 it registered. It starts 14-4-1937 no. of members 1363. Working capital Rs.11608395. There are of the society confined kalkulam and vilavancode Taluks of kanyakumari District. Excluding Thiruvattar and killiyur panchayat union areas. Its main object to improvement of Bee keeping industry and of the economic condition of Bee keepers. It has 10 staff including special officer. Its classification under B it has the borrowing power Rs. 298432091 It purchased honey and processed, Agmarked ( A grade) supplied all over India in bottles and tins by retail and bulk. The production of honey is seasonal according to climatic conditions. It is February to April, every year(3 months) the society gives employment opportunities for more than 10,000 individuals and their families. are benefited. Bonus and drvidened were distributed to the members from profit earned by the society. The society stands in production and sale in the state. Their regular customers are medicinal plant sarvodaya sangam and private concerns Society has 26.5 cents of lands with an own building and a storing shed. The Tamil Nadu Khadhi and village industries Board has provided amount Rs. 15, 84, 650 to the society as working capital fund loan at 4% intrest. The production and sales during the last 3 years as follows110.

Purchase
110

Sales

A personal interview with Kalyana Sundaram, Special officer, Marthandam, Bee keepers society, Ltd., No. 2050, Marthandam.Date 11/01/2011

33

Year 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 Honey processing

Kg 184014 210508 233280

Value Rs. 10148328 13029885 18418827

Kg 313660 82662 205530

Value Rs. 26174247 119078 25627245

Protit Rs. 545377 1038961 1232942

It is a seasonal industry which flourishes during April and May. When rubber trees are in blossom. This industry was helped by YMCA. It finds markets in other states. The annual production as 37 mts honey from 50000 behives111. General Industries of the District In this district coast line 68 km from Kanyakumari to Kollemcode. Fishing is a large scale industry in sea shore of the District 112. The chief centres in the District are capecomorine, Kovalam, Rajakkamangalam, Muttom and Chinnamuttomthurai. The Fisher folk who live on the sea coast are health race and possess remarkable power of endurance113. This area is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Fishing is the second important industry in the District. The boats and canoes are using for fishing. The net is also used for fishing. After catching fish men and women folk also sell the fish in the market. After the catch fish are applied with salt. Then they dry them the sunlight, The dry fish has a demand during the mansoon season. A large quantity of dry fish was
111 112 113

Kanyakumari District, Gazattar P. 376. Second five year plan op. cit, p. 20. Travancore intermation and listener September, 1948, p. 49.

34

exposed to Ceylon, Burma. There is a great demand for fish. There are numbers of fish markers in the District. Fishermens economy All the months of the year fishermen are engaging fishing except June and July. Among fishermen 35% people have boats, each boat is worth more than Rs. 3

lakhs. All other fisher men go to catch fish as coolie114. The mechanized boat authers get more than Rs.3000 as daily income. They spent as daily income Rs. 1000 as expenditure including wages for collies. They go for fishing up to 1000 km in the inner side of the sea. Non season (June, July) the coolie fishermen suffer a lot 115. Some people use small boats for fishing. Fishing Harbour Chinnamuttom which is located near capecomerine has the fishing harbour. It is famous for lobsters and prawns116. During the plan period they provide money for purchase of 300 boats. It gave employment 2000 fishermen. Fishnet industry Fish net industry is found Varavila near Muttom. It is organized by Kottar Social Service league. A mechanized fishnet (nylone) is made at Manavalakkurichi. The webbings required for making fishnet. It is made by local people.

During the credit plan period fish net making plant was at Rajakkamangalam, by the plan

114 115 116

Interview with Michael, Thoothoor, 29. 12. 2010. Interview with Wilfred, fisherman,Chinnathurai 29.12.2010 K.K Dist, Gazatteer, op. cit, P. 261.

35

they provided Rs. 19.75 lakhs117. The fish consumption is very high. So they established fishnet making centre at Nageroil with modern amnities like cabinet freezer. The introduction of nylon net and other synthetic twines are used in canoes for fishing. Eventhough fishermen use cotton nets. The daily average fish catch from a canoe 50 to 100 kg. Fisherman use smallest net known as caster net. Gillnet is made from use gillnet and castnet118. During the credit plan period an amount Rs. 31.50 lakhs was provided as loan for the purchasing gillnet and nylon net. Second Fiveyear plan took certain measures for the upliftment of fishermens benefit. Preservation of fish by caring and sun drying is carried on at several places. Several places through plan they gaves salt to the fisher men to make salt fish. It also gave concession for fish caring yards. In fish caring yard they kept surplus fish catch from the sea. This plan was also proposed to setup an ice plant with storage facilities for scientific preservation. Thus the fishermen got the facility preserve the fish instead of decaying. 2) For the upliftment of fishermen the scheme gave money for avoiding

middlemen and constructing godown for keeping the fish. It also gave the motar vehicle facilities to sell their products in the markets. (ii) The scheme provided three light house they were installed at capecomerine, Muttom and Colechal in order to guide fishermen returning from the fishing grounds in negotiating the rocky court and in landing safely. (iii) Deap sea fishing is carried on trough out the year from June to November. When the big fish catches there are no adequate facilities for storing and
117 118

Towards an affluent District economy, Kanyakumri District, Vol. I.1978, Madras, P.27 Credit plan, op.cit, p. 17.

36

marketing. The varieties fish caught are taken cycle loaders and lorry owners and sell in nearer village markets and towns. Fishes are perishable commodity. So they sell fish at once whatever may be the price offered by the sellers. During the second five year plan 137 lakhs offered to abolish poverty among the fishermen and also offered pipe connection for Kanyakumari, Manakudi and Colechal119. In 1963 the government took famine relief measures for the fishermen folk. In this connection they allotted Rs. 1, 31, 000 with this money provided 4700 bags of rice allotted from the Trichy godown for the fishermen folk. Out of 3950 bags were distributed through out the coastal areas of Kanyakumari 120. In Vadasseri village

Agasteeswaram taluk, Government of Tamil Nadu allotted 15 cents in S.No. 1825 of Vadasseri Village for the construction of the cold storage plant in collection land value Rs. 1500. The auction control of Kanyakumai District entrusted in the lands of fisheries department121. The District has high fishing potential both marine and inland. After the local consumption the surplus fish were exported to the foreign countries in the form of dry fish. During the perspective plan period they suggested 21 schemes for the important of fishmens economy122.
119 120

Second Five year plan Op. Cit. p. 21. File No. 859 Revenue Dated 2 3 1963 Budget 64 A Famine Refilef. Allotment for 1962 63 required Madras Archeives Egmore 8.] File No. 365 (Revenue) Dated 25. 1. 1963 Transfer Land Kanyakumari Agasteeswaram. Taluk Vadasseri village No. 1828 to the fisheries Department for the construction cold storage place sanctioned.

121

122

Towards an affluent economy op. cit. p. 27.

37

Schemes by the Fisheries Department The fisheries Department had the plan o establishment of boat building yard at Chinnamuttom and construction and supply of mechanized finishing boats. As per this plan they provide 274 boats and 15,000 canoes in the District. To achieve

establishment annual production 1.8 tonnes. It increased to 957 tonnes. In Colechal they constructed boat repairing cet at cost Rs. 20, 000. It also gave nylone net to the fishermen. There was a scheme of fish smoking plant (New Scheme). The curing fish by smoking is scientific advanced fish preservation and such has quality to export. The scheme spent Rs. 11.2 lakhs123. Establishment of fish curing yards salt curing fish Under this scheme they provided money for yards for all salt curing fish. The fish a good market in Ceylon and other countries. For this scheme the Government provided Rs. 42.80 lakhs124. Establishment of Icemaking and Freezing plant, Colechal. There are 5 ice plants and cold storage units in the District . The facilities for preserving fish by freezing fish is inadequate and therefore during seasons of large lendings fish catches treated with salt and then dried. Large quantity of dried fish are sent to Kerala during the mansoons125. Under the perspective plan the projects to increase the production of export of fish and prawns are expected to group under this scheme. They spent Rs. 16.719 lakhs for the construction of freezing plant.
123 124 125

Ibid. Ibid. Credit plan op. cit. p. 68.

38

Ice plants and cold storage facilities are available only in a few fish landing centres. During the plan period they establish ice factories at Colechal, Mandaikadu, Thengappattanam and Kanyakumari. The approximate cost of ice plant Rs 2.5. lakhs. During the plan period gave money for each plant. They got Rs. 2.5 lakhs. The state Government had installed 2 ice plants with cold storage facilities. Some of the ice plant are given below.

Ice production capacity 1 2 3 Kanyakumari Muttom Thoothoor Nagercoil 5 tonnes 2 tonnes -

Cold storage capacity 15 tonnes

1 tones126

As per this scheme They provided money for the construction of harbour Chinnamuttom and Colechal. Another scheme for training fishermen for handling the mechanical fishing boats and improved method of fishing. The training centre at During the

Colechal provided training for 50 persons for a period of 33 months.

prospective plars 370boats to be in operation. This training centre has the facility for 1000 students. Its total cost Rs. 7.50 lakh127 . Provision of Rescue vassel at Colechal.

126 127

Ibid, p.23. Towards an affluent economy, Op cit,P.27.

39

By the end of the prospective plan, the scheme offered 1000 boats through out the District so that they planned to build a rescue vessal at Colechal for the emergency. Harbour activities also are at colechal128. Acqurium at Kanyakumari Under this scheme an aquarium was established at Kanyakumari because Kanyakumari is an important tourist centre. Its cost Rs. 14.50 lakhs129. Establishing lobster farm at Kadiappattanam Those scheme started a lobster farm at Kadiappattanam and the production of lobster is high in the District and all lobsters are exported. This scheme spent Rs. 9.96 lakhs for this purpose130. Construction of low cost houses for fishermen families About 5200 fishermen families were either without houses or in sanitary surroundings. It was also affected by a sea erosion. During the prospective plan period they gave loan Rs. 108.85 lakhs with 50% subsidiary131. Strengthening the existing fish transport system Seven vehicles were given to the fishermen for transporting their fish from sea shore to market. During the period 1974 75. The provision of this scheme worked out Rs. 10.42 lakhs132. Mariculture
128 129 130 131 132

Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid, p. 27. Ibid, p. 29

40

The existing scheme in the Manakudi may be exparded by providing a temperature controlled laboratory. In addition a two hectare, back water, fish form is proposed to be established at Thengappattanam for stocking rearing prawns and back water fishes cost Rs. 11.23 lakhs133. Mechanised Boats With the introduction of mechanized boats, the fishermen of this District have been taken up trawlling to catch valuable prawns which can earn more foreign exchange for the country. The size of boats is from 30 to 35 meters. It is reported breathing facilities, trained personnel and fishing grounds only such boats could be run successfully134. The total investment is Rs. 135 lakhs,. During the plan period

government gave loan Rs. 50 lakh135. Country Boats and Canoes Country boats and canoes (Cattamarams) are commonly used through the coastal areas. Many persons use vallam (boat) for fishing. The Indo Beljium project for motorizing of catamarams has supplied out boat engines to the fishermen at Muttom and engines fitted to catamaram136. The mechanization of country boats also enables for fishermen to increase their fish catches as well. During the plam period loan Rs. 132 lakhs for the purchase out 3000 medium boats137.
133 134 135 136 137

District plan, Kanyakumari District Madras, 1980, p. 28 Credit plan op. cit, p.65 Ibid. Ibid. p. 22 Credit plan op.cit. p. 67

41

The

important

fishing

centres

are

Colechal,

Manavalakkurichi,

Kadiappattanam, Keezhkulam, Midalam, Thengamputhur, Manakudi and Ethamozhi. The main varieties of fishes are white bails, ribbonfish, sharks, marcherals, anchoviella, sear, sardine, prawns, tuna, pom freets, lobster, slverbellia and jewfish. Nearly 50% fish is consumed in the District and rest is sent to ice and cared and export to other Districts and Ceylon. Government took some measure to get stable price for fish and avoid middle man for the beneficiary of fishermen. There are 57 fishermen co operative society with a federation of District level to produce assistance to the primaries. The number is 13, 174. The conducted a survey to find next fishing grounds for fishermen on modern methods of fishing and handling maintenance of mechanized boats. fishermen pattern138. The centre has a capacity to train 50

Inland fishing Besides the sea, the salt water lakes and back waters at Manavalakkurichi river these areas have District has taken water, fishery source, Pechippara, Perunchani, Chittar I and Chittar II. There are also 3000 number of fish tanks having total area of 4365 hectare. Most of the tanks are seasonal139. Salt Industry

138 139

Credit plan, p. 23. Ibid.

42

Salt industries is one of the important industries in Kanyakumari District. In Thamarakkulam, Manakudi, Kovalam having salt pans140. The average yield per acre is 1950 kg. Avathamals factory produced salt is the important ingradients in food

Padmanabhapuram once noted for salt pans. Salt pans Kovalam and Swamithoppu Kovalam and Swamithoppu are important salt pans in the District. In

Swamithoppu 7 acres is used for making salt pans. In Kovalam 3 acre 65 cents were used for 6 months producing in non rainy season. In 1942 Government gave lese for their land a person to produce salt. They appointed to daily wages workers Rs. 150. per year Swamithoppu and Kovalam produced 3000 tonnes of salt. It is not enough for the consumption of the District. So hat they imported salt from Tuticorin. Once in an year they gave bonus Rs. 10, 000 per worker. The investment is Rs. 50, 000 per year. Their profit is Rs. 1 lakh141. Common salt and calcium sulphate are produced from salt pans and commercial scale in India142. Common salt (Sodium chloride) contain many other salts. These later consist mainly calcium sulphate and Megnisium chloride. Chemical wealth from state salterns Calcium sulphate , magnesium chloride, megnisium also fired in salt pan. These are the chemical salts. These chemical salt it is used for cousatic seda and chemical treatments143. Strach Industry

140 141 142 143

T.KVelupillai ,Travancore state Manual, Vol, II., TVM, 1936, p. 607 N interview with Anpayya, Kovalam salt pan worker, 19 1-2011 A study of mineral economy, in Tamil Nadu, P.M, Muruga, TVM, 1997, p. 257. Travancore information and lisioner,Tvm 19149 p. 12.

43

It is a rare industry starch is manufactured form the starch factory Puliyoorkurichi in Kalkulam taluk. They produced starch from tapioca. It has not only local market but also a national market in India. The factory gave employment

opportunity for 100 persons per year they manufactured 1200 tonnes as well as they prepared arrow root powder144. Chank industry Chank (conch) available at sea coast Kadiappattinam and Nerodi. Chanks are mainly used for making fancy article such as bangles, rings, west Bengal is a major customer for chanks. In handicraft items it is used for decoration. Conch is used for production or calcium. During prospective plam period government established a conch factory at Enayamputhanthurai to decordle handicrafts items and making ornaments from conch145. What processing It is another industry in the District. Some roller flour mills in private sector. It has been working at Chunkankadai near Nagercoil. Its capacity per year 25 tonnes146. Sugar Factory It was also rare industry in the District. Travancore sugar ltd. factary was at Thuckalai. It was working till 1933 and showed profit147. Metal Industries

144 145 146 147

K.K. Dist. Gazatteer, op. cit, p. 375. Towards an affluent economy, op. cit, p.29. K.K. Dt. Gazatteer ot.cit, p. 377. Travancore Administration Report, 1933, p. 124.

44

Metal industries are one of the important industries in the District. Iron is available in the District Iron is used for making arms and agricultural equipments. The families of Gold Smith make gold ornaments and decrease diety with gold148. Bell metal is another material available in the district. organized exhibition in school or arts to strengthen the industry149. Sericulture and silk industry This industry flourished in this district silk thread are used by weavers in the District. The industry is limited in the district150. The government

Copper and brass work The industry also limited in the District. In and around Kottar there were number of brass and copper workers who supplied the brass supply for local needs. They made weapons with local designs151. Button making For making button they were used chanks or shells. Out of shells they made buttons for dresses. Such industries are limited in to District. Sea weed manure

148 149 150 151

Ibid, p. 164. Immanuel op cit, p. 219. S.G. Baskar op. cit. p.207. Ibid, p. 73.

45

There is a plenty of fish and sea weed available in Kanyakumari and Thengamputhoor area. So Government tried to open a factory at Thengamputhoor

potassium and bromium alsio available in their region152. Cotton Industry Cotton cultivation can be found at Agasteeswaram, Parakkai, and Thangamputhoor. They produced and good quality of cotton and exported it153. Other Handicrafts In 1971 all India Handicrafts has setup. Its branch was started Nagercoil also. The centre took collections about various handicrafts practice in the District. 1600 Handicrafts registered to this centre. They took collections about 6400 craftsmen

engaged in various type of handicrafts. The notable handicrafts are wood carving stone carving, metal casting, laminated wooden articles, wax models, manufacturing of musical instruments. The artisans are scattered over the District154. The main objectives of All India Handicrafts Board 1. 2. Generally self employment opportunity in rural areas Increasing earnings of the artisans by identifying the available range of products and improving marketability. 3. Augments export potentialities of handicrafts by identifying new range of marketable products and organizing supply base capable of adhering quality, quantity and delivery schedule.

152 153 154

Ibid Ibid. Credit plan op. cit. p 207.

46

To achieve these objectives this institution works a lot. The first task of the centre was to undertake and organize a door to door survey in entire District, collecting as much information as possible various handicrafts. The total number of units registered were 1354 with production capacity Rs. 58 lakhs. They find out 6400 artisans in the District. An intensive developmental

programme on the lines were. Suggested by All India Handicrafts Board like product a promotion in big cities, Technical of crafts men, occasional display items, identify by the centre, Technical seminar, Marketing analyse short term training course on the spot design assistance by the craftmen of the centre, and the major activities of the centre Based on the information collected by the centre during its various field activities extension centre, Nagercoil has compiled the Directory of Handicrafts. Its gave the directory to the craftsmen, it consists of production, man power, special of products had been prepared brought out, During the plan period Rs. 17.27 lakhs gave for the works of the centre155.

Wages
Daily labourers were paid in cash till 1860 A.D. Paddy workers got as a daily wages 2 idangalies of paddy per day. For winnowing paddy one idangal. Ordinatory workers got five to six chackrams per day. A mesan received 1 Ruppee per day. Carpentor and black smilon receiver Rs. 2 per day156. Both men and women employing in ant fields of work. Various skilled labourers get wages as per their skills157.
155 156 157

Ibid p. 27 Ramachandran op. cit, p. 168. N. Muhammed Husain, op.cit. p., 125.

47

Industrial labour organization 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Mineral works union Manavalakkurichi Manavalakkurichi staff ssociation Kanyakumari District Mill labourers union, Nagercoil. Nagammal Mills and Jobers union Nagercoil. Kanyakumari co-operative spinning mills Thozhilalar Munnetta Sangam, Aramboli158.

Rural Industries project plan Government declared to promote the industries in rural areas except Nagercoil, Muncipal town where the population is less than 25, 000. It gave low in lam interest (6.25%). The amount was maximum Rs. 25, 000159. Financial concessions The Industrial Development Bank of India announced financial assistance scheme to the Banks of the District 6% interest state financial co-operation in turn charge 12.50%. Interest Free sales tax loans

158 159

K.K.Dt. Gazatteer, op.cit., p. 380. Ibid, p. 380

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Before 1978 even the small industries from the district paid sales tax per year Rs. 400. After 1978 Government allotted interest free long Rs. 1.25 lakh repayable after 5 years in three annual instalments160. The central co operative Banks can be found only in the four of nine blocks. There are almost 136 credit societies about 5% of the societies are not considered as viable. Some of the societies annual income Rs. 2 lakhs each. Some of the societies offered crop loans to the farmers. Co operative societies are said to have covered a small portion of the crop loan requirements. Till the co-operatives are able to assist then in large numbers, the credit requirements of land holders who are not members of co-operatives have to be met by the commercial banks further, the non borrowing members and the defaulting members of defunct and weak societies may be allowed easily borrow from commercial banks in the interest of increasing production161. Kanyakumari District is famous for its handicrafts. But the artisans and craftsmen dont get real profit because of the middle mens act. So the artisans and craftsmen like mat weavers potmakers depend upon this co-operative societies for the developments. Steps should be also be taken to include more handloom weavers in the cooperative fold. Palmgur is an important product of the District, the annual production worth was Rs. 2 crores. This trade was conducted by jaggery traders. The artisans received a small amount for their products. So they formed to arrange co operative society among

160 161

Ibid. Credit plan op.cit, p.47

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the tapers. For they but and sell palmger in a good price. For the development of tapers162. Technical Institutions For the improvement of industry. The industrial institutions helping a lot. It gives employment opportunities to the students St Joseph school Nagercoil This school was under the supervision of R.C. management. They gave education to the poor students. In addition to the education they taught cottage industries to the students.

Salvation Army school At Vadasseri salvation Army had a lace and sewing school. There were 500 women workers in this school. They were encouraged leaver knitting by machine as cottage industry. Mary Immaculate school, cape comorine This school was under the control of R.C. management 180 students and teachers were working here. The Government helped the institution 1/8 of the total express. The course duration 3 to 5 years. It gaves education to many children. Development state Industrial Training centre Nagercoil

162

Ibid.

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Since 1942 this center had been furctioing. Till 31st October 1956 it was controlled by central Government. Almost 56 students got training from this centre. It gave training to fitter mechanic course, Wireman course, Wielding course etc. The poor students Rs. 25 per month. After Six months training they were sent to apprentice to industrial concerns. After 2 years they will give diploma certificate to get job in different industries of Government. During the five year plan providing purchasing equipments and to start various courses in this centre.163 S.M.R.V. Institute In 1921 it was started under the control of Travancore Government. After the reorganization of states it is under the control of Travancore Government. After the reorganization of states it is under the control of Industries Department of Madras state. There was a superintendent incharge gives training handloom and weaving. The course of trainees continuous for three years. In 1933-34 29 students were studying Rs. 25 was collected as fees. They taught work like weaving technical work and other Handicrafts. Teaching here. In 1981 it was taken by state Government. After 1981 there are conducting 6 courses copa (computer operating and program assistant) D.T.D.O (Desktop publishes office) stenographer and dress making. Those all are one year course. Also mechanical and electronic courses are available here. 200 students finished their course from here in one year164. Most of them got job in private and government sector. Dress making students maximum get self employment. In S.M.R.V school about 20 staff are working. It gave training for hard sewing, bleaching. In 1981 dress making course was introduced. After
163 164

Second five year plan op.cit. p.14. A personal interview Murugan (A staff from S.M.R.V) Dated 20. 10. 2010

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secondary school education to students can joint here for the course. The institution also receives funds from central Government. Communication Roads are important to transport goods one place to another

No 1 2 3 4 5

Roads National Highway State Highways Major District roads Other District roads Village roads Total

M 40 35 183 93 348 701

F 6 2 6 6 6 Km

The main object of the plan to provide good facility road for transportation. The second five year plan provided assistance to construct 56 mile roads. 46 existing roads for metaling and other improvements such as widening realigning etc. It also provided assistance for six major bridges all over the district. The District has a good network of roads which connect important villages and towns in the District. Important commercial centres like Vadassery, Kottar, Manavalakurichi, Karingal, Marthandam, Kaliyakkavilai are well connected by roads. The District is also connected with other District of Tamilnadu in the Kerala state. The total length of roads in the District is 1863 Kms. 62.4 Kms of National Highways, 48 Km of state Highways and 975Kms roads maintained by the municipalities, P.W.D and Panchayats unions. Almost roads are used for transport facilities in Rajakkamangalam and other western blocks felt inadequale. 52

Almost all important centres in the District are connected by notable roads, all the villages with a population above 1000 and above should have link roads with main centers of the area. Canal transport Canal transport also helped for industrial growth165. The Anantha Victoria Marthanda canal excavated in 1860 aimed at connecting capecomerive with Trivandrum to facilitate coastal trade. This canal is used for transportation of goods. It is more useful for river bank people.

Ferry Ferry was used in Kuzhithurai river as a suitable for bridge. Melpuram, Thickurichy, Puthurai are famous for ferry service. Railways D. Francis nominated srimulam popular assembly pointed out Srimulam popular assembly pointed out the importance of Trivandrum Nagercoil line, it touched Kuzhithurai, Marthandam. South Travancore was the seat of industries, fishing, weaving, tile manufacturing monozite etc. The Dewan gave reply first priority to Trivandrum Nagercoil rail line166.

165 166

Ibid p. 52 Isac Jayadhas ,History of public work Department in the Kanyakumari (1900-1935), Madurai, P.157.

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During the credit plan period a railway line Tirunelveli to Trivandrum and capecomorine to Nagercoil was sanctioned167. The railway live serve as a links to other Districts of Tamilnadu and Kerala. The distance of railway line from Nagercoil to Trivandrum is 70Kms. From Nagercoil to Tirunelveli 80 Kms, and Nagercoil to cape comorine 22 Kms. They started stations at Nagercoil, cape comorine, Suchindram, Thovalai and Kuzhithurai. These railways are used for industrial purposes it also is used for passengers to travel one state to another state168. Marketing Regulating market is functioning at Nagercoil and Marthandam with gadown facilities. There are many commodities like coconut, copra, cashewnut, tapioca, tamerined and paddy. More over Nagercoil and Marthandam have markets. Karingal is a big market centre. SFDA has given a subsidiary Rs.11 lakhs to Kanyakumari District market to construct.Marketing yard and godwin. Cattle Shandics are constructed at Vadassery on Thursdays and Sundays. Monday market functions on Mondays. Marthandam on Tuesdays169. Electricity Electricity is mainly used for industries. The current supply is from 66Km substation at Thackala, which was constructed by Travancore cochin state. It is proposed to establish a 66Kv substation at Nagercoil, with 2 number of 200Kv. transformers 170. The village Development committee suggested to Travancore Government to a
167 168 169 170

Credit plan. Op.cit p.44. Ibid Ibid p.45 Second five year plan p.37

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substation at Peachipparai. The village Development committee also suggested the establishment of atomic power station at Karungal because thorium and other minerals are at Manavalakurichi. During the first five year plan Manavalakurichi illuminate factory was electrified. Kanyakumari District is one of the districts in the country where almost all towns and villages had been electrified171.

Power subsidiary Small scale industries which registered in Government only got power concession also were given by Government. After 1980 some concessions also were given by Government by the industries. 1. 1st year 30% of the actual energy charges paid by the unit. 2. 2nd year 20% of the actual energy charges paid by the unit. 3. 3rd year 10% of the actual energy charges paid by the unit172. Concessions by TNEB. It gives concession to high tension industry and concession to new industry. 1. For the first three year 66 2/3 percent rates 2. For the fourth year
171 172

80% H.T rates.

Credit plan op.cit P.125 Kanyakumari District Gazatter p.382.

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3. For the fifth year 4. For the sixth year

90% T.H. rates. Full tariff

Concession was given only to new industrial undertaking173. Animal Hushandry Dairy There are about 70 milk producers co operative societies in the District during the plan period they gave loan for to milk animal for each blocks. Thus the formers bought milk animals for their livelihood. Cattle rearing Because of the loan facilities farmers bought high quality cattle, as per the guidance from the Department of Animal Husbandry. They got subsidiary also from the Government. Sheep rearing Only local varieties were reared in the District. In Agasteeswaram, Thovala an Rajakkamangalam, are important sheep rearing centres. Through loan facilities many of them purchased sheeps. In this District not much more animal husbandary through out the District. All the block head quarters have animal husbandry. The Diary Development corporation extracted its collection routes to the areas where it proposed to finance large number of dairy animals. The milk was taken by powder station. Unit at Madurai. This plan provided money to purchase more cattle for the forms174.
173 174

Ibid Ibid p.46.

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YMCA It was started in 1921 under the auspices of YMCA. To improve the condition of local people. It introduced cottage industries such as bee keeping, poultry, forming, palmgur making, palmyura leaf works etc. There are many industries and the working class people are rooted in the soil. Rural construction activities carried on mainly through co operative methods. They care about social, educational, spiritual condition of the pople175. They introduced supplementary industries as family preparation of cashewnuts, cleaning of jaggery and tarmerined etc. They are conducting exhibition in the villages. They almost succeeded putting these matters who practice in and around Marthandam. They importated bee colony from Italy and Austria176. In 75 villages YMCA have centres to promote industry. YMCA trained 100 poor farmers every year in gardening. They also provided milk yielding goats, hens and rabbits for poor families under special schemes. They provided lambs for the poor177. Activities of YMCA in KanyaKumari District Its hrad quarters at Marthandam It has been involving in social welfare activities like conducting hospitals, and educational institutions in urban area. To

improve the economic condition or rural poor. They adopted 75 villages. They gave training to unemployed youth and various works like tailoring, lace works, fancy article making coir making etc. During 1978 79 they planned to establish village level YMCA Rural centre for integrated rural development in 18 Panchayats covering 45, 000 people. They setup

175 176 177

T.K. Velupillai Vol.IV op.cit. p.75 Ibid. Credit plan op cit p. 135.

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coir production and sales centre at Marthandam and number of charka units with the help of khadhi and village industries department were started. More over the institution has been targeted to conduct 150 village level and demonstrations in rodent control, Nutrition compost manure, manure making fibre making and rural satisfaction. This organization helps the poor below poverty line by importing various kind of training to the rural employed youths and arranging raw materials as well as providing marketing facilities some of the financial institutions tie up with YMCA to help the people trained by YMCA service centres. Moreover banks help financially the villages adopted by Kasturba kendram. Kasthurba Kendram It was started April 15, 1949. It is situated one mile from the Taluk office, on the route of Kuzhithurai Kannumamoodu road. promboke land granted on lease. It leased 1 acre 39 cents entire

The administration is conducted by Managing

committee of 7 members, the Khadhi Board gave Rs. 6000 as the capital for this centre. During 1956 57 again Khadhi Board offered Rs. 25, 000 with 3% intest per annum. The building cost Rs. 16, 000 which has been put for working of this centre178. 1. Spinning kisan and ambercharkkas 2. Weaving 3. Hard pounding rice 4. oil pressing 5. Poultry making 6. Soap making
178

Second five year plan op. cit, p.; 41.

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7. paper craft Jam making The utensils used for this centre were made by itself at centre. Training were given to the above industries. Almost 3000 persons were working in this Kendra as partly employment. The staff in the centre were their monthly expenditure cost Rs. 300. More than 300 persons got training in above cottage industries. In 1965 the industries of weaving, spinning, oil pressing etc. flourised. A monthly fees Rs. 5 leived from the trainees179. Tax Before 1958 therer was order tax and related matters. Kannappa Mudaliar IAS secretary Board of Revenue, allowed to create an unit to administer Tax Department in Kanyakumari District.They opened branches at Nagercoil, Thackalai, Kuzhithurai for the tax concorns180 Minerals Important minerals exported from the District. Mineral Industry Ilminite, Zircorn,Rutile, browin ilminite, monazite,garnet are important minearals ezported from the District towarda forgin countries181 Mineral Based Industry

179 180

Ibid p.42. File No. 05 (Revenue) Dated 09/01/1959 Establishment-Commercial taxces Department Madurai Division, KanyaKumari,Distric,Madras Archives Egmore-8 Credit plan op.sit p.65

181

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The Rare Earth (IRE) is a public sector at Manavalakkurchi.In 3 rd Five year plan they spent Rs.23.73 crores for the improvement of the industry. Ilminite acquires in the beaches of Muttum,Manavalakkurichi,Colachal,Leepuram and Cape Comorine. The IRE is a Government owned which process and sent to the pigment and welding industries182

Service Sectors Trucks For the transportation goods trucks are used. During the credit plan period loan was offered for 36 trucks. Tempoes and Minibuses They are also used for goods transportation Rs.17.5 lakhs gave as loan during the plan period Tailoring Tailoring is another industry in the District. More over 2500 shops through out the District. During the credit plan period they provided Rs. 1000 for 50 shops all over the District.

Small Scale Industries

Small scale industries flourshed throughout the District. During the plan period the Government gave Rs. 34 lakhs as loan for 4700 persons. It makes more employment opportunities through out the District183.
182 183

Ibid Ibid P. 91

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Rural / House Hold Industries During the plan period provided Rs. 85 lakhs was spent for 11, 578 of cottage and village industries like handloom, weaving, carepentry, pottery, black smithery and palmyrah plam industry. Due to this Rs. 334 lakh got as profit for the all units as well as they provide employment opportunities for 22,000 artisan helped much more to the improvement of the District. Scope for new industries Coirmats and mattings Coir is extracted by small units in the District. Utilising the mattress and fibre available a composite small scale unit can be set up for spinning yarn from coir- fibre for the manufacture of mats and making from the yarn produced. Coconut Shell powder It is used for fuel. But it can be used for shell powder. It is used for manufacture of phenol formal delyde matirg powder and synthetic resin glue and it has good demand. Cashew and shell products It has many uses and it has a good scope for new industry. It canbe used for paint and chemical plastic industries. It is also used for varnish. Cattle licks It was developed by the central slat marine chemical Research institute at Bhavangar. Thus item made from salt and its supplement can be used for cattle. There is a scope for this industry

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Bycycles and Tubes The District has rubber cultivation in a limited manner. Many people use bicycle. So that credit plan suggested for some factories in the District.

Conclusion This District has limited industries. Even then some industries are floursing in the District including cottage and rural industries. Many bank loans and credit plan system improved the industries. It gives employment opportunities through out the District.

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