RATNAGIRI

Ratnagiri’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, fishing, tourism, and small-scale industries. As per the Maharashtra Economic Survey (2023), a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in mango and cashew farming, with Alphonso mangoes being the district’s most well-known export. Rice and coconut farming are also major agricultural activities.

Fishing is another key livelihood, with coastal communities engaged in deep-sea fishing and seafood processing. The Fishermen’s Cooperative Society reports that a large portion of Ratnagiri’s workforce depends on marine and inland fishing for sustenance. Additionally, cottage industries, such as coir production, bamboo handicrafts, and cashew nut processing, provide employment opportunities in rural areas.

The industrial sector is growing, with the presence of Ratnagiri Gas and Power Private Limited and MIDC industrial zones, which generate employment in petrochemicals, power generation, and manufacturing. The Konkan Railway also plays a role in providing transportation-related jobs.

Employment in Ratnagiri is season-dependent, particularly in agriculture and fishing. The Alphonso mango harvest season (February–May) sees an increase in short-term labor demand, drawing workers from nearby districts. According to the Maharashtra State Migration Report (2022), the post-harvest period often leads to seasonal migration as laborers seek employment in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. Fishing is another seasonal occupation, with peak activity during the non-monsoon months. During the monsoon season, when fishing bans are imposed, many workers engage in alternative jobs such as construction, tourism services, and small-scale trading.

Labor unions in Ratnagiri represent workers in agriculture, fisheries, and industrial sectors. The Konkan Matsyavyavsayak Sanghatana advocates for better wages and safety regulations for fishing communities.

Workers in MIDC zones have formed unions for wage protection and better working conditions. However, informal sector workers, including women in home-based industries and daily wage laborers, remain largely unorganized, leading to challenges in securing labor rights. The Construction Workers’ Federation of India has been active in securing labor benefits for construction workers, many of whom migrate for work in Goa and Mumbai.

Ratnagiri has several technical and vocational training institutes catering to the industrial, agricultural, and fisheries sectors.

Key institutions include:

• Government Polytechnic, Ratnagiri, offers diploma programs in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
• Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) provide skill development in welding, plumbing, and carpentry.
• Fisheries Training Center, offering courses on marine biology, fish processing, and aquaculture.
• Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth specializes in agricultural research and farm management education.

The Directorate of Vocational Education and Training has launched rural skill development programs, helping local youth find employment in agriculture, food processing, and hospitality sectors.