According to the Government, Jalpaiguri is a non-industry district, though tea industry is the backbone of Jalpaiguri`s economy since its advent. The economy of Jalpaiguri is essentially agriculture-based. Moreover the staple resources of the tea industries are tealeaves, which are also cultivated.

The northern strip of the region is a hilly tract, which is congenial for tea cultivation. Jalpaiguri is the second largest producer of tea in West Bengal. It is the regional topography, which supports the economy greatly. The brand "Jalpaiguri tea" is extremely popular worldwide. The ample production of tea, in the region laid the foundation of the tea industry here. The tea industries constituting the parts like tea processing, tea packaging etc. involves a large-scale employment, thereby supporting the local economy of Jalpaiguri.

The tea industries lend a dual support to the economy of Jalpaiguri. The industries fetch a large amount of labors locally at a low rate and the superior quality of tea are exported to the neighboring region even in abroad.

Again in the present era of industrialization, some policies have been undertaken by the government to ensure the economic prosperity of Jalpaiguri. An Oil refinery in Baranhat is the principal project adopted by the Government. In the adjacent areas of Jalpaiguri, medicine factory, cold storage for fruits and different other factories of electronic goods etc. have grown up, which augment the economic growth. Besides projects have also been taken up, for the proper utilization and suitable marketing of tea. Recently a Tea- Auction Company has come up in the town. However the policies and plans that are being adopted are instrumental to the economic development of Jalpaiguri.

The physical homogeneity of the central and the southern part of the district is formed of alluvium and the silt carried by the rivers like Teesta, Mahananda, Torsha, etc. All these are originated from the northern glacier- hence perennial; they provide continuous water to the region for the growth of agriculture. The conducive landscape with the continuous supply of water is favorable for the cultivation of rice. Rice is the principal crop of the district, though the major part of its production is meant to serve the domestic requirement. Wheat also shares a position in serving the local economy of Jalpaiguri.

Moreover the cultivation of the horticulture is also promoted thereby serving the district`s economy to a large extent. Jute, Tobacco and mustard are the principal products here, much of which is exported. The orchard cultivation of Jalpaiguri is also famous. The superior quality of orchard fruits (mainly pineapple and banana) draws a large quantity of export income.

Hence the economy of Jalpaiguri, though agriculture based, it has attained the status of the economically developed district of West Bengal.