Madurai’s true potential needs to be tapped

With abundant supply of grains and horticulture products, there is immense potential for developing agriculture-based industries in the region, say trade bodies.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK

The true potential of Madurai district is yet to be properly tapped. The region has been lacking in industrial growth. Once a textile hub, it has ceded its prominence to cities like Tiruppur.

However, all is not lost. Development of Madurai as an agro and a tourism hub will give the district a much-needed push in revenue generation. Though the district attracts a huge number of international and domestic tourists, much needs to be done in this sector.

Predominantly agrarian, Madurai needs to revive its waterbodies, particularly the Vaigai. Activists, residents, and trade bodies say infrastructure development holds the key.

The development of Madurai-Thoothukudi corridor will help boost the economy of not just Madurai, but also the southern district. The airport seaport connectivity is a huge advantage. However, such a golden opportunity is being missed. If developed, there would be numerous employment opportunities, they said.

Chamber’s wishlist

Agri and All Trade Chamber president S. Rethinavelu says Madurai has the potential to be developed into a tourism and food processing hub. The development of Madurai as a food processing hub would benefit Dindigul and Theni districts. Like the Spices Board, a Pulses Board should be set up at the local level, he said.

For agriculture development, the Vaigai, the lifeline of the city, should be protected. The sewage, garbage, and other waste being discharged into it should be immediately stopped, he said and added that there was scope for river side development by retaining the heritage.

Activist V.P. Manikandan says Madurai being predominantly an agricultural district, steps should be taken to ensure that even the tail end regions get water supply for irrigation. Vaigai dam should be desilted to improve its storage capacity. Though this had been raised several times, appropriate action has not been taken so far, he said.

C. Muthuraja, former Dean and Head of The American College, said organic farming should be given a push. The economy could be sustained through indigenous and local products and value-added products. Special subsidies and incentives should be given to encourage them, he said.

He said a district-level development model should be established to cover each unit of the district. Citing an example, he said Jaihindpuram was known for appalam units. This should be marketed better, he said and added that there was a need for SWOT analysis on how to promote local products.

Mr. Rethinavelu said Madurai had among the highest number of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises particularly in edible oil, dal, flour, and moringa. There was a need for research. The Agricultural College here could be upgraded into a university.

Tourism sector

Tourism is one sector where Madurai has immense potential. However, the potential should be tapped in order to turn it into a revenue-spinning sector for the district, activists, residents, and trade bodies said.

Mr. Rethinavelu said tourism needs good connectivity. There should be good infrastructure such as proper road facilities. Madurai airport should be expanded so that there was more international connectivity.

While some airports with less international connectivity had earned the tag of international airport, he wondered why Madurai airport with better international connectivity was not being upgraded and given the international airport status, he said.

A Madurai heritage and Pandya cultural park should be developed to showcase the history and heritage of the place. This would educate people, particularly students and promote art and culture. This in turn will boost the hospitality sector, he said.

Madurai has the potential to become the Medical hub. Medical tourism will automatically follow, he added.

Mr. Muthuraja said the development of Madurai as a pilgrimage and heritage tourism hub will have a positive spin-off effect on places like Rameswaram. The tourism sector should be developed not just for entertainment but also for generating jobs, he said and added that the technology advancements should be incorporated to make it lively for tourists.

Mr. Rethinavelu said there was a need for good roads and a bus terminus in Madurai, a large convention centre, and a cold storage facility of international standards. The automobile, rubber, and IT sectors had good potential for growth. The garment sector should be revived, he added.

About the quality of manpowre, Mr. Muthuraja said a forum should be developed to link the people looking for employees and the qualified people so that the skills are properly utilised. There are skillful workers and quality consumers.

Mr. Manikandan said sanitation should be improved and the onus is on the people to keep the city clean.

Published – February 22, 2026 08:31 pm IST