PARBHANI

Industries in the region primarily focus on cotton ginning and pressing, oil extraction, sugar production, and other agricultural processing units.

The 1967 Parbhani Gazetteer states that cottage industries were crucial for Parbhani’s economy, offering jobs to different communities.

The district did not possess significant mineral resources such as coal or iron ore. However, minor mining activities were present, mainly focused on extracting materials for construction and local industries. Stone quarrying was carried out on a small scale, with basalt and other stones being mined to produce gravel and crushed stone for construction. Sand was extracted from riverbeds and streams to meet regional construction demands. Additionally, clay was mined for brick-making, while certain types of soil were collected for agricultural use.

Handloom weaving had long been a significant cottage industry in Parbhani, serving as the primary source of textile production before the mechanization of mills. The industry once provided substantial income to weavers but later struggled due to competition from large-scale textile production. To support the sector, the government introduced financial and technical assistance programs. Major weaving centers included Manwath, Parbhani, Basmath, Pathri, Purna, Gangakhed, Sonpeth, and Daithana, with Manwath being the largest hub. The industry was primarily carried out by the Koshli, Sali, and Momin communities.

Despite efforts to promote khadi production, it remained a minor industry in Parbhani. Centers for khadi spinning and weaving were located in Basmath, Jintur, Parbhani, and Hingoli. The Khadi and Village Industries Board distributed charkhas (spinning wheels) to encourage production, but large-scale adoption was limited.

Blacksmithing was a hereditary occupation among the Lohar community. Blacksmiths played a crucial role in manufacturing and repairing agricultural tools and implements, often receiving payment in cash or kind from farmers. The trade was common in towns and medium-sized villages such as Hingoli, Parbhani, Jintur, Sailu, Basmath, Gangakhed, Sonpeth, Nandapur, Aundha, Kanhergaon, Kalamnuri, and Bori. Iron sheets and bars were used to produce items such as frying pans and bullock cart axles.

The distillation of rosha oil was another notable industry due to its medicinal properties and export demand. The main center for this activity was Aundha, with rosha grass being sourced from the forests of Hingoli, Jintur, and Parbhani for oil extraction.

Tanning was a hereditary occupation, primarily practiced by the Dhor community. The tanning process involved raw hides being treated with materials like hirda and alum. Major tanning centers included Parbhani, Aundha, Kalamnuri, Purna, Pingli, Daithana, Jintur, Gangakhed, and Charthana..

Wool shearing and weaving were hereditary occupations practiced by the Dhangar community. Though the industry once played an important role in the district's economy, it declined over time due to competition from mill-made fabrics. Wool weaving was mainly practiced in areas such as Gangakhed.