This off-farm diversification goes beyond the borders of the State, in particular towards Dakshin Kannad (Karnataka) and the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu). Historical borders are not always visible. However, the old borders of the Mysore kingdom, which would form the core of the present Karnataka, can be seen through their very agricultural aspect which makes the region different from the South-West of Karnataka, formely outside Mysore. Natural borders are clearly to be seen: they correspond to the inner side of the Ghats and to the limit of areas with heavy rainfall. This is a paradox since a high ratio of agriculturists could have been expected due to the relative productivity of local agriculture. This is to be explained by the extension of the " Kerala model " from the littoral to the whole Ghats. Generally speaking, the shores are places of low "agriculturality" indeed, because of urbanisation and opened up economy. It is very clear on coastal Andhra, and even more on the littoral of Karnataka, which is "jammed" between the Kerala pattern and the influence of Goa, even of Mumbai.

Let us conclude with the role of towns and cities. It is no surprise that they are associated with a low rate of agriculturists. There are some exceptions however. The central Karnataka remains very agricultural even close to Dharwad or Shimoga, whereas on the contrary, in central or northern Andhra Pradesh (Telangana), agriculturists are less than 50% in spite of the lack of big cities.