Raw Material Perspectives in Mineral, Chemical, Forest, and Agro Based Industries

On the basis of the raw materials used, the industries are classified as: (a) Agro based; (b) mineral based; (c) chemical based; (d) forest based: and (e) animal based. By examining industries based on their inputs or raw materials, we gain insights into the intricate web connecting economic sectors, resource availability, and overall industrial dynamics. 

This article delves into the various industries shaped by their reliance on specific inputs or raw materials, examining their role, significance, and impact on global economic landscapes.

Agro based Industries 

• A Spectrum of Major Agro-Processing Industries: Major agro-processing industries are food processing, sugar, pickles, fruits juices, beverages (tea, coffee and cocoa), spices and oils, fats and textiles (cotton, jute, silk), rubber, etc. 

Nourishing Progress: Unveiling the Impact of Agro-Processing on Global Food Dynamics

• Agro-Processing Evolution: Agro processing includes canning, producing cream, fruit processing and confectionery. 
  • While some preserving techniques, such as drying, fermenting and pickling, have been known since ancient times, these had limited applications to cater to the pre-Industrial Revolution demands.
  • Nowadays, food processing has become significant with evolving technologies of food value enrichment, agribusiness etc. 

Textile Industry: 

• Fabricating Prosperity: The textile industry contributes significantly to industrial production, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. 
• A Self-Reliant Powerhouse: It is the only industry in the country, which is self-reliant and complete in the value chain i.e., from raw material to the highest value added products (Refer Figure).

Value addition in textile industry

Cotton Textile: The Fabric of India

• Evolution of Indian Textiles: 
  • Hand Spinning and Handloom: In ancient India, cotton textiles were crafted through hand spinning and handloom weaving techniques. 
  • Powerlooms: However, after the 18th century, power-looms were introduced. 
  • Machine Made Cloth: During the colonial period, the traditional industries faced challenges as they couldn’t compete with the machine-made cloth from England.

• Geographical Foundations: Initially, the cotton textile industry was concentrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
  • In these states, factors like the availability of raw cotton, markets, transportation, labour, and a suitable climate favoured its localization. 
• Textile Industry and Livelihoods: This industry is closely linked with agriculture and provides livelihoods to various individuals involved in different

• stages like ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing, designing, packaging, tailoring, and sewing.
• Decentralized Expertise: While spinning remains centralised in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Weaving is highly decentralised to incorporate traditional skills and designs in fabrics like cotton, silk, zari, and embroidery. 
  • The handspun khadi industry provides extensive employment to weavers in their homes as a cottage industry.

Distribution of cotton, woollen and silk industries

The Golden Fiber: Jute Textiles Unraveling India’s Industrial Landscape

• Jute Production in India: India is the largest producer of raw jute and jute goods and stands at second place as an exporter after Bangladesh.
  • Most of the mills are located in West Bengal, mainly along the banks of the Hugli river, in a narrow belt.

Sugar Making in India: From North to South, a Sweet Journey

• Sweet Success: India ranks second in global sugar production, but it takes the top spot in the production of gur and khandsari.
• Geographic Distribution of Sugar Mills: Sugar mills are situated in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar collectively house about sixty percent of these mills.
• Shifting Belts: In recent years, the mills have shifted in the southern and western states, especially in Maharashtra because the cane produced here has a higher sucrose content.

Also Read: Exploring the Foundations: A Comprehensive Insight into Mineral Based Industries