Nagapattinam - My District, My pride - R R Padmanabhan, Director - Exim Academy

 Nagapattinam - My District, My pride

This historical port city called Nagai was the launching pad of the mighty Cholas during the 10th century.  The district is relegated to backwardness due to several reasons.  Chief of them is the continued neglect of once functioning vibrant port.  I still remember in my youth about the vessel ‘Chidambaram’ calling this port after chennai enroute to Singapore and Penang. Can this port be revived to its glory?  Doubtful.  Because, the neighboring Karaikal is now a developed port although a minor one.  The customs building at Nagapattinam is still looks majestic and it resembles the white house of USA.

Leaving history, let me get in to international business.  Can this district be put in to international business map?  Most certainly yes.  Few products strike our minds right now. 

The first one is Rattan furniture manufactured here.  The product awaits Geographical indications (GI) tag from the Government of India.  Presently being exported to Vietnam. Netherlands, Sri lanka, China, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Canada and Nepal and with little more push can occupy reception halls of many European hotels. Named after the village Thaikkal, it is considered as Green Gold for its value.  The uniqueness of the product is its intelligence in adjusting to the climate and its long life without much wear and tear.

The second one is artificial jewelry.  Here made to order variety would yield higher realisation.  Third one is Coir products like Coir pith, Mats, Geo textiles etc.  Next in line is Marine products.  The district has a long coast line and home to variety of fish and prawns.  Finally, being an agrarian district, agri products like Rice and Pulses can also be explored.  Here again, valued added products should be explored.

All the above are possible with fresh thinking in branding, digital presence and persistent efforts. Many of the district’s youth are employed abroad.  Such NRI connection can be gainfully extrapolated.

R R Padmanabhan
Director - Exim Academy



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