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 institutions 1 . This is one of the villages are electrified. There are two important industrial towns Marthandam and Nagercoil 2 . 1 Credit plan, Government of TamilNadu, Kanyakumari District, Madras, 1978, p.111 2 Ibid. 1
Transcript
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 Credit plan, Government of TamilNadu, Kanyakumari District, Madras, 1978, p.1112 Ibid.
1
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 Industrial survey, S.G. Barker, p. 193, Trivandrum, p. 449.4 Ibid.
2
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 Ibid.6 Ibid.
3
It is a beautiful art. There is limited coir industries in the taluk7. 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 Ibid8 Ibid, p.445.9 Ibid.
4
Railway network extended in the taluk. Kuzhithurai, Palliyadi and Eranial
are the important railway stations. Railway is also used by the passengers and
transportation of goods.
Industry
The main occupation of the people is agriculture. Some of the people
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
measurement and weight. Researche Sadasiva Pantarathar gave the list of the following
5 Sevidu - 1 alaku
2 alaku - 1 ulakku
2 ulakku - 1 uri
2 uri - 1 nali
6 nali - 1 kurni
15 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 Ramavarmma11. 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 Ibid. p. 43511 Padmanabhapuram through ages, N. Muhammed Husain, 1994, p. 127.
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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 Ibid. p.115.13 Ibid.14 Ibid. p.11715 Ibid, p. 127
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 ½ Chuckram equal to a rupee, a Chuckram is being near by 6
grain tray19.
Chamber of Commerce
16 Ibid.17 Ibid. p. 12918 Ibid, p. 129.19 Ibid.
7
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 built22. 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 Travancore State Marudi. Vol. IV. T.K. Velupillai, Tvm, 1909, p. 106.21 Ibid. p.3022 M. Muhammed Husian, Op. cit, p. 116.23 Second five year plan, Kanyakumari District, Government of Tamilnadu, Madras, p. 53.24 K. K. Kusuman, History of Trade and Commerce in Travancore, (1600-1805) Tvm. P.25.25 T.K. Velupillai, op.cit., p. 609.
8
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 industry26. 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 Second Five year plan, Govt. of India, New Delhi, p. 7.27 Credit plan, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Madras, p. 69
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It is one of the important cottage industries in the District. The main centres
are Kottar, Kanjampuram, Vadasseri, Eranial and Myladi28. 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 Kanyakumari District Gazatteer, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Madras, 1981, p. 376.29 Credit plan, Kanyakumari District, Government of Tamil Nadu , Madra, p. 102.30 Ibid.31 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 District34. 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 etc35. 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 A personal interview with Murugan, Ramapuran, 08.01.2011.33 Credit plan, op.cit. p. 69.34 Second five year plan, op.cit, p. 43.35 Credit plan op.cit. p. 70.36 Ibid.37 Ibid.
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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 Personal interview with uthaman coir factory owner, Puthurai, 05/01/2011.39 Personal interview with Aiyyappan, (Kollencode 06/07.2011).40 File No. 33791 Reveneuel / Kollencode coir – workers co-operative cottase industrial society
Dated. 12/01/1969.41 Credit plan, Op. cit. p. 71.
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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. There are two wooden
furniture units.
JOSCO Industries, Marthandam
42 Personal Interview with Chinthamani V.L.C. employ Pinkulam, 12/11/2011.43 Personal interview with Unnithan, Manager V.L.C. Cashew industries Kuzhiturai, 14/11/2011.
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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 Personal interview with A.J. Alex, Josco, Industries Marthandam 31/12/2010.45 Interview with Paulraj, owner PCN firm Kanjampuram 08/11/2011.46 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 T.K. Velupillai, Travancore State Manual Vol. IV, p. 60648 Credit plan, Op. cit., p.7249 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 each51.
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 Credit plan, Op.cit., p. 65.51 Ibid P. 7752 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.
Type or cottage Product manutactuncd Parentage of total engaged
53 Credit plan P. 8354 Ibid p. 8355 Ibid P.65
17
industriesdifferent Population cottage
industries
1 Corai and pin mat wcauing
Korai and screwpine0 . 42
2. Palms leaves Palm leat product 0 . 35
3. Rattan and bamboo articles
Basket and house hold utensils furnitvc bags baskets
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 Ibid58 I bid p. 37959 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 I bid p. 38061 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 District64. 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.
62 Vijaya Ram swami, Textile and weavers in south India, , 1965, Oxford press P. 12 63 Douglas Hay, Towards a History of consumption in south Asia Oxford press. 1971 p. 65 64 Secord five year plan op. cit p. 4465 File No. 3310 (I.L.C) 10-10-1957 District handloom Board for k k Dt 66 File No 1309 ( I.L.C ) 1982 Handloom industry, Madras
21
In kannakode Government allotted 29 cents promboke to the handloom
co- operative society to start kannakkode, a nearer village of Manavala Kurichi
Governor issued order for it collector the land to start yarn67.
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
67 File No .48 44 ( I.L.C) 1965, Home allowed Hand 100m weavers Madras Egmore - 868 File No 3260 (Revenue ) loan allotment Madras Egmore - 8
69 Creedit plan op cit p. 75
22
throught out the District. It increased the production of yarn and work for 15,000
spinners and 1000 weaves in the District70. 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,
70 Second Fiveyear plan op.cit p.743.71 File No. 3256 ( Revenue) 7-11-1963.( A file from Madras Archives)72 Velupillai Vol IIIop.cit. p.54673 Ibid p. 547.74 Sankunny menon, History of Travancore Tvm, 1957 p. 75.
23
tuppatta, neriyathu, kavani were the fashionable cloth once. Some of the fine cloth
women at Eraniel75.
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. 75 T.R. Ramachandran Trivandrum History of Nanchinad, ,Truvandrum 1994 p.162.76 M.Devaraj Col. Maccaulay The resident of Travancore a study 1994, Madurai p.211.(A Thesis
from Madurai Kamaraj University)77 Immanual, Srimullan Tirunal and his region (1885-1924) 1994, Madurai.p.210.78 T.K. Velupillai.Vol III Op.cit p.553
24
They had branches capecomorine, Nagercoil, Asaripallam, and Kulasekharam. The best
quality of materials were provided for their centers to make lace. The Mulakumoodu
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 pillows83.B.B Duthie selected
some skilled girls from the Boarding school and trained them in the art of lace making 84
Agasteeswaram
79 Ibid p.55480 R.N.Vesudas A peoples revolt in travancore, A background movement for social freedom, Tvm,
1981 p.681Mini M.L, The Histry of women protestant Misinarios in Travancore 2008 p.96( A Thesis from Karala University)
82 S.G. Barker op.cit. p.20183 Ibid84 Mini op.cit. p.104
25
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.
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
85 Ibid86 Ibid87 Yesudas, Protestant church and medical mission in south Travancore, 1986, Madurai p.62(A
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 District112. The chief centres in the District are
capecomorine, Kovalam, Rajakkamangalam, Muttom and Chinnamuttomthurai.
110 A personal interview with Kalyana Sundaram, Special officer, Marthandam, Bee – keepers
society, Ltd., No. 2050, Marthandam.Date 11/01/2011111 Kanyakumari District, Gazattar P. 376.112 Second five year plan op. cit, p. 20.
34
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
exposed to Ceylon, Burma. There is a great demand for fish. There are numbers of fish
markers in the District.
Fishermen’s 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 lot115. 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.113 Travancore intermation and listener September, 1948, p. 49.114 Interview with Michael, Thoothoor, 29. 12. 2010.115 Interview with Wilfred, fisherman,Chinnathurai 29.12.2010116 K.K Dist, Gazatteer, op. cit, P. 261.
35
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
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 fishermen’s 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.
117 Towards an affluent District economy, Kanyakumri District, Vol. I.1978, Madras, P.27 118 Credit plan, op.cit, p. 17.
36
(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
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 Kanyakumari120. 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.
119 Second Five year plan Op. Cit. p. 21.120 File No. 859 Revenue Dated 2 – 3 – 1963 Budget 64 – A Famine Refilef. Allotment for 1962 –
63 required Madras Archeives Egmore – 8.]121 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.
37
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
fishmen’s economy122.
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
122 Towards an affluent economy op. cit. p. 27. 123 Ibid.124 Ibid.
38
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.
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
Cold storage capacity
1 Kanyakumari 5 tonnes 15 tonnes
2 Muttom 2 tonnes
3Thoothoor
Nagercoil
- 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
125 Credit plan op. cit. p. 68.126 Ibid, p.23.
39
Colechal provided training for 50 persons for a period of 33 months. During the
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.
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
127 Towards an affluent economy, Op cit,P.27.128 Ibid.129 Ibid.130 Ibid.131 Ibid, p. 27.
40
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
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. 132 Ibid, p. 29133 District plan, Kanyakumari District Madras, 1980, p. 28134 Credit plan op. cit, p.65135 Ibid.136 Ibid. p. 22
41
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.
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,
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. The centre has a capacity to train 50
fishermen pattern138.
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,
137 Credit plan op.cit. p. 67138 Credit plan, p. 23.
42
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
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. Avathamal’s 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
139 Ibid.140 T.KVelupillai ,Travancore state Manual, Vol, II., TVM, 1936, p. 607141 N interview with Anpayya, Kovalam salt pan worker, 19 – 1-2011142 A study of mineral economy, in Tamil Nadu, P.M, Muruga, TVM, 1997, p. 257.
43
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
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
143 Travancore information and lisioner,Tvm 19149 p. 12.144 K.K. Dist. Gazatteer, op. cit, p. 375.145 Towards an affluent economy, op. cit, p.29.146 K.K. Dt. Gazatteer ot.cit, p. 377.
44
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
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. The government
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.
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.
147 Travancore Administration Report, 1933, p. 124.148 Ibid, p. 164.149 Immanuel op cit, p. 219.150 S.G. Baskar op. cit. p.207.151 Ibid, p. 73.
45
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
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. Generally self employment opportunity in rural areas
152 Ibid153 Ibid.154 Credit plan op. cit. p 207.
46
2. 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.
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
155 Ibid p. 27
47
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.
Industrial labour organization
1. Mineral works union Manavalakkurichi
2. Manavalakkurichi staff ssociation
3. Kanyakumari District Mill labourers union, Nagercoil.
