Some Minor Industrial Regions of India

Kanpur-Lucknow Industrial Region:

This industrial belt is quite significant in terms of its diversity of industries. Located in Uttar Pradesh, the region is a stronghold of traditional industries, particularly in textiles and leather. It thrives on its long-standing history of producing cotton, woollen, and jute textiles, as well as leather goods. Imagine Kanpur as the heart of the leather industry in India—where not only shoes but also bags and other leather products are manufactured in large quantities.

• Fertilizers: Kanpur is home to some major fertilizer plants that cater to the needs of the country’s agricultural sector.
• Chemicals and Drugs: The chemical and pharmaceutical industries here are also growing rapidly, and Kanpur is a major hub for the production of drugs and chemicals.
• Light Machinery: Kanpur is famous for its engineering and light machinery manufacturing.

The development of this region is driven by the proximity to agricultural areas and the availability of skilled labor at a relatively low cost. The rail and road connectivity between Kanpur and Lucknow ensures easy movement of goods, and the availability of raw materials makes this region one of the more self-sustaining industrial zones.

Assam Valley Industrial Region:

Located in the northeastern part of India, the Assam Valley industrial region is not as widely known but has a unique set of industries tied to its rich natural resources and historical industries. The primary industries here revolve around petrochemicals, jute, silk textiles, and, of course, tea processing.

• Tea Processing: Assam is famously known for its tea production, which is one of the best in the world. Tea processing mills are integral to the economy here, providing employment and supporting the region’s agro-based industries.
• Jute and Silk: Assam has a long-standing tradition of silk weaving and jute manufacturing, which adds to the regional economy.
• Paper and Plywood: The region is also home to some paper mills and plywood industries, which utilize the rich forest resources of the area.

Assam’s industries are primarily focused on agriculture and processing industries, with natural resources like oil in places like Digboi and Bongaigaon providing a further boost.

Darjeeling-Siliguri Industrial Region:

When you think of Darjeeling, you might first think of tea gardens and scenic views. But there is an industrial region here that mainly focuses on tea processing and tourism. Siliguri, being a significant trade hub, also plays a key role in this region’s industrial activity.

• Tea Processing: Darjeeling is famous for its high-quality tea, and the tea industry here is crucial, not just for India but globally. The unique climatic conditions of this region are perfect for growing some of the world’s best tea.
• Tourism: The region also thrives on tourism, which, though not a traditional industry, contributes significantly to the local economy, with travelers coming from all over the world to experience the tea gardens and natural beauty.

So, the Darjeeling-Siliguri region’s industrial base is agriculture and tourism centered, supported by its rich natural heritage and strategic location along the trade routes.

North Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh Industrial Region:

This region is home to a variety of industries, although its growth has been somewhat slower compared to other parts of India. The key industries here include sugar, cement, glass, and food processing. Let’s understand role of each industry:

• Sugar: North Bihar and eastern UP are known for their sugar mills, thanks to the vast sugarcane cultivation in the region.
• Cement and Glass: The availability of raw materials such as limestone and silica helps the region become a hub for cement and glass manufacturing.
• Food Processing: With agriculture being one of the main economic activities, industries such as food processing have also gained traction, especially in the areas of grain milling and pulses processing.

The population density in these regions provides a consistent supply of cheap labor, which drives the growth of industries, while access to markets in both India and neighbouring countries boosts trade.

Indore-Ujjain Industrial Region:

In Madhya Pradesh, the Indore-Ujjain industrial region stands as one of the important but often overlooked hubs of India. The industries here include cotton textiles, chemicals, food processing, and electronic goods.

• Cotton Textiles: This region has a long history of cotton farming, and naturally, the textile industry developed around it.
• Electronics and Chemicals: With an increasing presence of both public and private sector industries, electronic goods, chemical manufacturing, and even drugs are emerging here.
• Food Processing: As is the case with many other regions, food processing industries also find their place, turning agricultural products into consumable goods.

Indore, being a key business and educational hub, offers a skilled labor force and good infrastructure, contributing to the growth of this region’s industries.

Amritsar-Jalandhar-Ludhiana Industrial Region:

This region in Punjab is well-known for its sports goods, textiles, and hosiery industries. The industrious nature of the people here, along with favorable climatic conditions, has made this region a powerhouse of manufacturing.

• Sports Goods: Amritsar and Jalandhar are particularly famous for producing sports goods, with these items being exported worldwide.
• Textiles and Hosiery: Cotton and woollen textiles, along with hosiery, are manufactured in large quantities in Ludhiana and surrounding areas.
• Food Processing and Tourism: Amritsar is also known for its food processing industry, while tourism, centered around the Golden Temple, also adds to the economy.

The region’s proximity to international borders and transport connectivity makes it an ideal location for industries that need access to global markets.

Nagpur-Wardha Industrial Region:

Nestled in Maharashtra, the Nagpur-Wardha industrial region is famous for its involvement in the textile, engineering, and chemical industries. The main industries here include:

• Textiles: Nagpur has a rich history in cotton textiles, with large mills producing cloth for domestic and international markets.
• Engineering and Chemicals: The region has a growing presence of engineering industries and chemical production, including both organic and inorganic chemicals.
• Food Processing: Like many other regions, food processing is a key industry, with a focus on processing fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Nagpur’s central location in India and its connectivity through road and rail help industries access raw materials and markets efficiently.

Godavari-Krishna Delta Industrial Region:

This region in the southern part of India has a number of industries related to both agriculture and heavy industries. Iron and steel, ship-building, fertilizers, and fish processing are the backbone industries here.

• Iron and Steel: The Vishakhapatnam area is crucial for the production of iron and steel, with its proximity to the sea aiding in raw material imports and exports.
• Ship-building: Ship-building is a growing industry, with Vishakhapatnam serving as an important shipyard.
• Fertilizers and Chemicals: Fertilizer plants cater to the agricultural demands of the region, while the chemical industries grow alongside them.
• Fish Processing: The proximity to the coast means that fish processing is another prominent industry here.

This region’s industrial growth is closely linked to the agriculture and marine resources of the area, making it a key region for export-oriented industries.

Dharwar-Belgaum Industrial Region:

In Karnataka, the Dharwar-Belgaum region has a mix of cotton textiles, chemicals, spice packing, and food processing industries. The region has a small but steadily growing industrial base.

• Cotton Textiles: The region’s textile industry has roots in the cotton-growing areas.
• Spices and Food Processing: Belgaum, being close to agricultural zones, is known for spice packing and food processing, particularly in grains and pulses.

The region benefits from its proximity to agricultural zones and access to both raw materials and markets.

Kerala Coast Industrial Region:

The Kerala Coast Industrial Region is an intriguing mix of industries tied to both marine and agricultural resources. Located in the coastal state of Kerala, especially around Kochi, this region’s industries revolve around marine products, petroleum, and agro-processing.

• Coconut Oil Extraction: Kerala, being the land of coconut trees, has a thriving coconut oil extraction industry. This oil is used for various purposes, from cooking to cosmetics.
• Rice Milling: The region’s rice mills are also significant, processing rice grown in Kerala’s paddy fields.
• Fish Packing: With the vast coastal belt, the fish packing industry is highly developed, catering to both domestic and export markets.
• Coir Matting: Kerala is famous for its coir industry, where coir matting and ropes are made from the fibrous husks of coconuts.
• Ship-building: Ship-building is another key industry in Kochi, with several shipyards in the region. Kochi is one of the major ports of India, contributing to this industry.
• Petroleum Refining: The Kochi Refinery is an important industrial establishment, and the region has expanded into petroleum refining and petrochemical production.
• Chemical and Electronic Goods: Kerala also has a growing presence in the production of chemical products and electronic goods.

Kochi’s strategic location along the coast makes it a hub for international trade, particularly in marine products. The combination of agriculture-based and industrial-based industries makes this region distinct, with a strong link to the marine economy and Agro-processing.

Additional Emerging Minor Industrial Regions:

While these regions may not yet be as prominent as the established industrial zones, they have shown great potential for growth and are rapidly emerging as important industrial hubs.

• Bhubaneswar-Cuttack (Odisha): This region is becoming a significant center for engineering and automobile industries. The proximity to mineral-rich regions and availability of skilled labor are driving the development of automobile manufacturing and engineering industries in and around these cities.
• Raipur (Chhattisgarh): Known for its strong presence in steel production, Raipur has become a hub for mining-based industries. The area is rich in iron ore and coal, making it ideal for the development of industries related to steel production and other mining-based activities. Raipur is growing rapidly in terms of industrialization due to the availability of raw materials and its well-established transport infrastructure.
• Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir): In the northern part of India, Udhampur is emerging as a small but growing industrial center, particularly in textiles and handicrafts. The region’s unique cultural heritage and the availability of local artisans are giving rise to a burgeoning handicraft industry, while textile production is also increasing, driven by the demand for local and regional products.