Agriculture

Agriculture in Jaffna is highly specialized, adapted to the limestone aquifers and distinct wet/dry seasons. * **Crops:** The region is famous for the Jaffna mango (Karuthacolumban), red onions, tobacco, chillies, and bananas. * **Palmyra Palm:** The "tree of life" in Jaffna. Every part of the palmyra is used—producing jaggery (palm sugar), toddy (an alcoholic beverage), handicrafts, and construction materials. * **Irrigation:** Due to the lack of rivers, farming relies heavily on traditional and mechanized well-irrigation drawing from underground aquifers. * **Fisheries:** The peninsula's extensive coastline supports a massive fishing industry, producing crab, prawns, cuttlefish, and various marine fish, which are vital for local consumption and national export.