CULTURE AND IRRIGATION :
    The main occupation of the inhabitants is Agriculture as Periyar water flows along with the Mullai river through this district and it finally reaches the Dam called Vaigai. Cotton, Mangoes and Bannana and Sugarcane are main crops in this area. 

       In the hilly areas of the district i.e. Uttamapalaiyam, Periyakulam etc.crops like fruits, vegetables and flowers are grown, which are supplied  to  other district in the state and also to some northern states. Paddy is cultivated twice in a year.The normal seasons for cultivation of paddy are June-August and September-December.During these seasons short and long term crops are sown. Dung, leaf manure, tank silt,  and Oil Cake besides chemical fertilizers, are the important manures used in  the district.Cumbu and groundnuts are also cultivated. Ragi, which is the staple food of the poorest class, is mostly grown as crops like paddy. Cotton is  also sown in rainfed and irrigated areas.  Plantain are commonly grown in  almost all of the taluks. Oranges, limes, mangoes  and grapes  are grown in Periyakulam. Tea, coffee and cardamoms are other main products.
  Horticulture:
The government has developed a horticulture research centre and a college at Periyakulam just 15 Km. away from Theni. Principle Crops planted here