Ramanathapuram also is known as Ramnad, is a town and a municipality in the Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Ramanathapuram district.
Ramanathapuram is located in south east Tamil Nadu, East Coast Road is the major coastal road in east Tamil Nadu which connects the state capital Chennai and Ramanathapuram, the town is well connected by railroad to major cities in India through Madurai Junction.
The river Vaigai enters the Big Tank (periya kanmaai) and the water is collected for the purpose of agriculture. It is claimed that the river water does not reach the sea, portraying the size of the catchment area. The town has many ponds catering to the needs of the populace.
The area under irrigated agriculture is 63800 Hectare, while 137099 hectare is under rainfed Agriculture. The major food grain crops cultivated are Paddy, cholam , cumbu , Ragi, and Blackgram. Cotton is the major non-food crop grown.
Rainfall pattern: North East Monsoon is the Main source of Irrigation water. Average annual rainfall is 827.0 mm, Average Winter Rainfall-67.4 mm; Summer-122.7 mm; South West Monsoon- 135.3 mm and North East Monsoon Rainfall-501.6 mm