Economy of Kutch District in the state of Gujarat largely depends on the mineral based industries. Kutch has re-emerged from the carcass of one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history that took place in January 2001 and today has become a most important industrial hub. Over 60 percent of total salt production is contributed by the district. With large reserves of limestone, bauxite, and lignite, Kutch district is one of the chosen destinations for most of the mineral based industries. The district boasts of being one of the most important manufacturers of Submerged Arc Welded (SAW) pipes in the world.
There are a good number of medium and large scales industries which are supported by a sizeable number of small scale industries. Due to presence of two important ports, Kandla and Mundra, Kutch district accounts for a very high cargo movement. Kutch is also well known for handicrafts. Out of total one hundred and thirty six industrial cooperative societies, seventy one belong to handicrafts. Palaces, temples, fairs and festivals of Kutch attract a large number of tourists in the district which also contribute to the economy of the district. Madhapar village in Kutch is considered to be Asia`s richest village due to foreign remittances by NRIs in Africa, the Gulf countries, UK and the USA.
Agriculture is an important revenue earner of the district. Major Crops being produced in Kutch district are oilseed, bajra, jowar, cotton, pulses, date palms and brinjal. Among various oilseeds, rape seeds, groundnut, castor seeds, and mustard seeds are the most important crops. Kutch is a chief producer of psyllium (Isabgul), cumin and coriander. Around one thousand cotton producers in Rapar taluka of Kutch have been granted `organic` certification by Agrocel (an agricultural services provider). Bajra is an important food grain of the district. Fruits grown in the district are mango, banana, papaya, chikoo and papaya.
Kutch is rich in non metallic minerals. As a mineral rich district of Gujarat, It has biggest reserves of limestone, china clay, lignite, and bauxite and silica sand in the country. The district has the highest production of Lignite and China clay in Gujarat. Because of its soaring calorific value and low moisture content, Kutch`s lignite is favourable for power generation. Welspun, Adani Groups, and Sanghi Groups, are the key industry players present in the district. Adani Group owns a fully functional multi-purpose port at Mundra in the Gulf of Kutch and has established an edible oil refinery in the district. Presence of more than 6,128 Small Scale Industry units in the district has shown a considerable progress in the district`s economy.
Kutch has emerged as a hub for minerals, textiles, chemicals, engineering, oil and Gas and Port based industries. Presence of Kandla, Mundra, and Mandavi ports has made the district a trade and logistics hub. Industries in the Kutch district such as minerals, port-based, cement, salt, textiles, engineering and auto, steel pipes, tourism and infrastructure projects are the main drivers of economy. Rich mineral wealth of the district is an attraction for investors. Many foreign companies are expected to invest on lignite, limestone and bauxite reserves. The tourism sector is experiencing a strong resurgence. The palaces, fairs, wildlife and festivals of the district are witnessing a large incursion of national and international tourists.
