Abstract The purpose of this study is to find out the socio-economic and living condition of the palmyrah tappers in Tuticorin district of Tamilnadu. The present study has covered the three villages from Tuticorin District viz Korampallam, Pudukkottai and Pannaivilai. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Percentage, average, standard deviation, multiple linear regression, F test and Chi-square test were used. In order to find out whether there is any correlation between the family type and income of respondents, chi-square test has been applied. As the calculated value of chi-square is greater than the table value at 5 per cent level of significance, there is a relationship between income of the respondents and family types of the respondents study area. The determinants of yield per acre palm plantations are identified with the help of multiple linear regression models of Cobb-Douglas type. Per acre yield is taken as the dependent variable and six factor inputs are included as independent variables. It is observed in the case of palm orchards, R2 value indicated that about 74 per cent of variations in yield were jointly caused by the six explanatory variables included in the model. Human labour and capital was found to be statistically significant at 5 per cent level. It indicated that one per cent increase in these variables could increase yield by 0.2813 per cent and 0.2871 per cent respectively. It was also found that the human labour had a greater influence on the determination of yield, followed by the variable capital. As per F-value, the fitted regression model was statistically significant at 5 per cent level. The study gives a clear idea of income; saving, debt and expenditure pattern of the households of palmyrah tappers in Tuticorin district and brings to light certain causes for socio-economic backwardness of the tappers community.
Keywords: Palmyrah Tappers; Soil Erosion; Natural Wealth; Pathaneer Noungu Combination; Jaggery; Eco-Friendly.