Tamil Nadu’s agriculture sector is deeply intertwined with groundwater use and electricity access, creating a complex and unsustainable cycle. Agriculture accounts for nearly 89% of groundwater use in the state, where over-extraction has led to severe depletion. More than 50% of assessed groundwater units are over-exploited or critical, with alarming declines seen in northern and western districts.

This crisis is driven by several factors: increasing cultivation of water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane, widespread use of electric and diesel pumps, rainfall deficits, and declining surface irrigation infrastructure. Electricity supplied to farmers is highly subsidised and unmetered, leading to inefficient irrigation practices. While Tamil Nadu has over 20 lakh active agricultural electricity connections, farmers face poor-quality supply, delayed connections, and inequitable access—especially among smallholders.

Efforts to solarise irrigation under schemes like KUSUM offer promise but remain limited in reach and impact. The state’s groundwater legislation was repealed in 2013 and has yet to be replaced, leaving a regulatory vacuum.

The report highlights the urgent need for integrated solutions that ensure farm viability, reduce groundwater stress, and promote clean energy use. Holistic reforms across agriculture, water, and power sectors are critical to building a resilient and sustainable future for Tamil Nadu’s farmers.