Economy of Goa

One of the important economic activities of Goa is agriculture. Rice is the major agricultural crop. The other important crops are paddy, ragi, maize, jowar, bajra and pulses. The important cash crops grown here are coconut, cashew nut, arecanut, mango, jackfruit, banana, pineapple etc. The monsoon crops are called the kharif or sorod crops and the winter crops are called rabi or vaingan crops. The main sources of irrigation for winter crops are the nallahs, rivers and streams, tanks, wells, canal etc. Sugar cane is also cultivated here. A sugar factory has been established in Goa. Cashew is an important crop in Goa. An exhilarating drink called Feni is produced from cashew. There are a variety of mangoes grown here. Some of the varieties of mango grown here are mancurade, mussarade, fernandine, xavier, alfonsa, colaco etc. The two varieties of jackfruit grown here namely kapo and rasal. The vegetables grown here are brinjal, lady`s fingers, sweet potatoes, chillies, onions, radish, cucumber, pumpkins, drumsticks, breadfruit and different varieties of gourds.

Animal husbandry and the veterinary services form an important sector of rural economy. Cattle feed, milk and milk products, meat etc are imported on a large scale. There is a pig farm at Curti in Ponda latuka that produces qualitative pigs for breeding. Fishing is an important economic activity in Goa. Goa is abounded with varieties of fish like prawns, mackerels and sardines. Mining is an important industry in Goa. There are mineral resources like iron ore, manganese ore, ferro-manganese ore. There are units manufacturing pesticides, fertilizers, tyre, tubes, iron ore pellets, foot wear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, sugar, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products etc. There are also handicrafts that manufacture wood crafts, brass, pottery, handloom, leather and bamboo crafts etc.