AKOLA

The district possesses a significant abundance of natural resources essential for agro-based industries, as demonstrated by the presence of numerous cotton ginning, pressing, and weaving units. Akola is recognized for its strong agricultural base and its contributions to cotton production, soybeans, and pulses. Locals and intellectuals highlight the district's identity as rooted in its agricultural heritage, while also acknowledging the growing industrial sectors in textiles and agro-processing.

The district is renowned for its cultivation of various cash crops, including cotton, jowar (sorghum), soybean, tur (pulses), and mung beans, which form the backbone of its agricultural output. However cotton remains a major commercial crop in the district. The prominence of cotton farming has led to the establishment of numerous ginning and pressing units, contributing significantly to the textile and related industries.

In addition to cotton, soybean has emerged as a vital crop, with several processing plants dedicated to extracting oil and producing soybean meal. The agro-based sector is also characterized by a variety of small-scale industries that focus on food processing. These include oil extraction units, which produce edible oils from seeds like groundnut and sunflower, enhancing the value chain of local agricultural products.

The prominent industry in Akola has historically been the cloth industry, which earned the district the nickname "Cotton City." This sector is still a significant economic driver.

Textile Manufacturing is particularly significant in Akola, with numerous units dedicated to cotton processing. The region produces a wide range of textile products such as cotton yarn, fabrics, and garments.

The chemical industry is another critical component of Akola's manufacturing landscape. It includes the production of basic chemicals and agrochemicals that support agricultural activities in the region. Furthermore, there is a growing presence of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies manufacturing, with facilities producing disposable medical products and diagnostic equipment.

Currently, the food and oil industries are more active, with some establishments like Gujarat Ambuja Soya Bean Oil, founded in 1990 near Kanheri, capitalizing on the region's soybean cultivation.

The 1977 Akola District Gazetteer provides an overview of various traditional industries that were once integral to the local economy. These industries, ranging from weaving to oil seed crushing, carpentry, and tanning, played a crucial role in sustaining village communities.

Handloom weaving has historically been an essential occupation in India, contributing significantly to the textile industry. According to the Gazetteer, handloom cotton weaving was particularly prominent in Akot, Washim, and Balapur. During the early 1960s, there were 473 individuals engaged in this craft across the district, with a total of 2,021 operational handlooms by May 1961. However, over time, power looms increasingly replaced traditional handlooms, and the demand for cotton weaving saw a surge during World War II and the Non-Cooperation Movement of the 1930s.

Oil seed crushing was once a significant cottage industry, primarily relying on animal-driven crushing techniques. Local oilmen fulfilled the oil needs of both rural and urban populations, but with the advent of mechanized oil milling, traditional oilmen faced economic setbacks. Despite this, locals say that Akola continued to be a prominent oil seed-producing region.

Carpentry has traditionally been a village-based occupation, where artisans crafted essential agricultural tools such as ploughs. Historically, their services were compensated through a share of the agricultural produce, though this practice declined over time. Major carpentry centers included Akola, Kapsi, and Borgaon.

Blacksmithing, traditionally associated with the Lohar community, involved the crafting of metal tools using anvils and furnaces.

Leather working was widespread in towns and larger villages across Akola district, primarily undertaken by the Chambhar community. With the rise of machine-made leather products, traditional artisans faced economic decline due to increasing competition. Major centers for leather working included Akola, Dondwada, and Borgaon.

Tanning was also carried out by the Chambhar community using indigenous methods. The tanning process involved treating animal hides with lime water and solutions made from babhul bark and myrobalan.

The Neera and Palmgur industry in Akola revolved around the extraction and processing of sap from palm trees, particularly the Palmyra palm. Freshly collected Neera was used to produce Palmgur (palm jaggery), palm sugar, palm candy, and other derivatives. By the late 1960s, the district had four institutions engaged in this industry, though only two remained operational.

The production of gur (jaggery) and khandsari sugar was limited to regions with extensive sugarcane cultivation. According to Census data from 1951 and 1961, multiple establishments engaged in this industry provided employment opportunities, mainly in urban areas.

The hand-made paper industry, once present in Akola, had already declined by the time of the 1977 Gazetteer’s publication. It had previously been noted in the 1910 edition of the Akola District Gazetteer but had since disappeared.

Akola has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in business and industry. These families have contributed to sectors such as textiles, agro-processing, oil mills, and jewelry, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Some of the most notable among them include the Patil, Rathi, Khandelwal, and Bachuka families.

Akola district in Maharashtra features a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in the villages of Mauje Yevata and Shivapur. Established by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), this SEZ is specifically aimed at promoting agro-processing activities

According to locals, Akola has experienced a significant wave of migration, primarily from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as well as nearby districts such as Buldhana, Washim, and Amravati. This migration, which gained momentum in the 1980s, is believed to be driven by the growing textile and agro-based industries, offering better employment opportunities. As a result, many people have gradually shifted from agriculture to industrial jobs, particularly in the textile and agro-processing sectors. Higher income prospects, modernization, and government incentives encouraging industrial growth are said to be key factors in this transition. While individuals with limited resources for farming tend to prefer industrial work, those with fertile land and sufficient capital reportedly continue to engage in agriculture.

At the same time, entrepreneurship in Akola is on the rise, with many striving to establish their own businesses. Some belong to families with a history of business, while others have built their enterprises through dedication and perseverance. Locals say that there is a noticeable trend of young entrepreneurs venturing into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in agro-processing, textiles, and retail.