During the Chola Empire, which lasted from the 9th to the 13th century in South India, there were significant agricultural developments that contributed to the empire's prosperity and economic growth. These advancements helped ensure food security, increase agricultural productivity, and promote trade and commerce. Some of the notable agricultural developments during the Chola Empire include:

Irrigation Systems:
The Chola rulers were known for their extensive irrigation systems, which played a crucial role in agricultural development. They constructed numerous tanks (man-made reservoirs) and canals to store and distribute water for irrigation purposes. These irrigation systems helped in controlling floods, increasing water availability during dry seasons, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Dryland Farming:
In addition to irrigated agriculture, the Cholas also promoted dryland farming techniques. They introduced the practice of growing crops that were well-suited to the local conditions, such as millets and pulses. Dryland farming techniques involved the use of specialized plows, seed drills, and crop rotation methods to maximize productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Improvement in Agricultural Tools:
The Cholas were instrumental in improving agricultural tools and implements. They introduced iron plows, which replaced the traditional wooden plows, making it easier to till the land and increase cultivation. The use of iron tools also helped in clearing forests and reclaiming new agricultural lands.

Expansion of Cultivable Land:
Under the Chola rulers, there was a significant expansion of cultivable land. The empire's territorial conquests and colonization efforts led to the clearing of forests and the conversion of wastelands into cultivable land. This expansion allowed for increased agricultural production and the cultivation of a wide variety of crops.

Crop Diversification:
The Cholas promoted crop diversification, encouraging farmers to cultivate a wide range of crops. This diversification helped in reducing the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, or unfavorable weather conditions. Farmers grew a variety of crops such as rice, millets, pulses, sugarcane, spices, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring food security and a surplus for trade.

Trade and Commerce:
The agricultural developments during the Chola Empire also facilitated trade and commerce. The surplus agricultural produce was exported to neighboring regions, including Southeast Asia, contributing to the empire's wealth and prosperity. The Cholas established a well-developed system of trade routes and ports, enabling the smooth transportation and exchange of agricultural goods.

In conclusion, the Chola Empire witnessed significant agricultural developments that revolutionized farming practices, improved productivity, and promoted economic growth. The construction of irrigation systems, expansion of cultivable land, introduction of improved tools, crop diversification, and facilitation of trade and commerce were all crucial factors in the empire's agricultural success. These developments not only ensured food security for the population but also contributed to the empire's overall prosperity and dominance in South India.

Large tracts of land were cleared and the agriculture was extended,large scale tanks irrigation works were built