Business and Economy of Andaman & Nicobar

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is one of the Union Territories of India. Business and economy of Andaman & Nicobar mainly comprises of agriculture and industries. Agriculture includes cultivation of various crops and fruits. There are several small scale handicraft units in Andaman & Nicobar. These units produce products of shell and wood. Farming, fishing and tourism are the major sources of income of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the most important occupation of the Indian people. The Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar is not an exception to that. About 48,675 hectares of land of this Union Territory is utilized for agriculture. Paddy is the major food crop of the region. It is mainly cultivated in Andaman. The cash crops like coconut and areca nut are cultivated in the Nicobar group of islands.

The field crops like oilseeds, pulses and vegetables are grown in Andaman & Nicobar. They are followed by the paddy in the Rabi season. There are also various types of fruits such as sapota, banana, mango, orange, pineapple, papaya and root crops that are grown on the hilly land of this Union Territory. The spices like clove, cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg are cultivated under the multi-tier cropping system. There is limited cultivation of red oil, cashew, rubber and palm in these islands.

Industry

Industries contribute a major share in the business and economy of Andaman & Nicobar. There are about 1,374 small scale and handicraft units in Andaman & Nicobar. Several export-oriented units are also developing in the agro-processing sectors. The Andaman and Nicobar Integrated Development Corporation is working for the development of the civil supplies, fisheries, tourism, industries as well as industrial financing activities.

There are also wood and shell based handicraft units. SSI units are busy in the production of paints and varnishes, polythene bags, fibre glass and mini flour mills, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, soft drinks and beverages, etc. The small scale and handicraft units are engaged in rice milling, bakery products, furniture making and shell crafts.

Andaman & Nicobar has lots of limestone, selenite, gold, sulphur and nickel deposits. As these islands are blessed with a large coastline, fishing is an important occupation of its people. There are many fisheries in Andaman & Nicobar. The Oil and Natural Gas Commission is engaged here in the exploration for oil and gas.

Tourism plays an important role in the business and economy of Andaman & Nicobar. Andaman & Nicobar has emerged as one of the major tourist destinations of the country. It has many tourist attractions such as beautiful beaches, amazing islands and options of different adventurous sports. Number of tourists visiting these islands is increasing day by day. Tourism has given a great contribution to the economy of Andaman & Nicobar.

To know more go to: