Thanjavur District is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India . It had a population of 2,216,138 as of 2001. It is 33.78% urbanised. The district has a literacy rate of 75.45%, 10.51% above the average for the state.     Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for most of the people of  thanjavur. Cultivation has been the major occupation of the local inhabitants of Thanjavur since the land is ideally suited for growing crops like rice and wheat. And it is a place with rich in water fertility.

The water for irrigation is supplied by River Kaveri. It is famously known as the “Rice Bowl of India”.

            Rice production has increased in the recent years and thus it is being largely exported to the neighboring states, which is further boosting up the economy of Thanjavur. The total rice production has been maintained at 10.615 L.M.T and 7.077 L.M.T. The land suitable for irrigation and farming has also grown subsequently. The department of agriculture has been taking effective measures in order to improve the agriculture of Thanjavur. Several irrigation projects are being implemented within this city much for the benefit of the farmers.

The maximum portion of Thanjavur land is used up for cultivation and agriculture. The total percentage of land fit for cultivation is 58%. The city of Thanjavur consists of tertiary, alluvial and cretaceous types of soil. The major portion of Thanjavur land consists of alluvial deposits. The eastern region of Thanjavur abounds in alluvial type of soil fit for agriculture.            Organic farming is gradually being known to the farmers of Thanjavur. In order to maximize agricultural produce organic farming is being implemented.