JALGAON

Jalgaon district is recognised for its diverse blend of industries and agriculture, particularly noted for its gold and silver trade, supported by numerous traditional jewellery makers. Cotton processing is another vital industry in the region, while Jalgaon is often referred to as the "Banana District" due to its significant banana production. Jalgaon is a major manufacturer of PVC pipes, which are used in both industrial and agricultural applications and exported to international markets. The district's identity is shaped by these industries and agricultural activities, contributing to its economic landscape.

Jalgaon is an important hub for cotton and textile production, featuring numerous textile mills and manufacturers. The region specialises in both traditional and modern textile processes, including spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing. Some of the companies include Sarveshwar Textiles and The Pratap Spinning, Weaving, and Manufacturing Company. 

This sector includes the production of various food items, with a significant focus on dehydrated onions. Jalgaon has an onion dehydration plant with an annual capacity of around 10,000 tons, accounting for about 15% of India's dehydrated onion exports.

The district is also known for its vegetable oil production, particularly groundnut oil and hydrogenation plants, which have been established since the late 20th century.

Various chemical products are manufactured in Jalgaon, including bulk chemicals and fertilisers. The MIDC area is home to several chemical processing units that cater to both local and national markets.

Jalgaon is renowned as the "Banana City," with banana cultivation being a significant contributor to its economy. This industry has been prominent for many years, supported by the region's favourable agricultural conditions.

The 1962 Jalgaon Gazetteer states that cottage industries were crucial for Jalgaon’s economy, offering jobs to different communities.

Some notable cottage industries in Jalgaon included: 

In 1931, the bamboo-working industry in Jalgaon, particularly in Amalner, Chopda, Faizpur, Yawal, and Varangaon, employed approximately 2,329 individuals. This craft was traditionally practised by the Mang community. The primary raw material, bamboo, was sourced from the Satpuda mountains.

The bangle-making industry in Jalgaon underwent significant changes over time. Historically, glass was produced locally in bhattis, but by the mid-20th century, it was primarily imported from Uttar Pradesh. Nashirabad retained a single bhatti that recycled broken bangles and other glass items.

While bangle-making was once a major occupation in Nashirabad, Neri, Palas Khere, Palner, and Paldhi, by 1962, it had largely declined, persisting mainly in Nashirabad, where about 150 families remained engaged in the craft.

The industry's survival was linked to traditional practices, such as brides wearing green bangles during weddings and the customary distribution of green bangles during the Chaitra Haldi Kunku festival.

The brick and tile-making industry employed around 250 individuals in 1931, primarily in Bhusawal, Chalisgaon, Faizpur, and Falgaon, where suitable clay was available. 

Lime burning was a traditional industry in Jalgaon, with Bhusawal, Chalisgaon, Chopda, Faizpur, and Jalgaon serving as key centres. In 1941, there were 2,708 lime burners recorded. 

Erandol was the only centre for handmade paper production in the district. According to the Bombay Economic and Industrial Survey Committee (1941), 15 karkhandars produced nearly 3,000 gaddis (each containing 240 sheets) annually.

Tanning was a hereditary occupation primarily undertaken by the Dhor community. In 1941, around 400 individuals were recorded in this industry, mainly in Bhusawal and Chalisgaon. Dhors procured raw hides from local mahars and slaughterhouses, with higher-quality hides sourced from Bombay and Madhya Pradesh.

Jalgaon has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in industry and business. These families have contributed to sectors such as irrigation, technology, jewellery, and agriculture, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Some of the most notable among them include the Jain, Premji, Bafana, and Patil Suryawanshi families.

Key pollution sources in Jalgaon district include large industries, unpaved roads, and the burning of agricultural waste. Solid waste management poses a significant challenge, with the district generating approximately 485.68 metric tons of waste daily, including a considerable amount of plastic. The inadequate waste treatment facilities have led to the pollution of local water bodies, such as the Mehrun and Ambadzara lakes, which suffer from untreated sewage and household waste. Soil pollution is also a concern, particularly near dumping sites where leachate can contaminate groundwater. The lack of a common effluent treatment plant for industrial discharges exacerbates these issues, resulting in untreated wastewater being released into local rivers.

Jalgaon has experienced significant industrial transformation, evolving from a primarily agrarian economy to a dynamic hub of agro-based and manufacturing industries. The district’s industrial growth began before independence with the establishment of spinning mills, while Chalisgaon emerged as the "Milk City of India," supplying substantial quantities of milk to Mumbai. This expansion has been supported by local entrepreneurs, banks, and cooperative societies, which have played a crucial role in financing and sustaining new ventures.

The shift from agriculture to industry is evident in the increasing number of individuals seeking employment in agro-based industries such as banana processing units and sugar factories. These industries provide more stable incomes compared to traditional farming, encouraging many to transition from agricultural labour to industrial employment.