Economy of Mehsana District in Gujarat has witnessed substantial development over the past few years, primarily due to its strategic location. Engineering Industry (mainly metallurgical industries) and Food and Agro processing are the major industries attracting investments in the district. The district has presence of Chemical industry players like Nirma Ltd. which has set up its manufacturing unit in the district producing a range of products like synthetic detergents, soap bars, Sulphuric acid, shampoo and toothpaste. Several petroleum companies are located in and around Mehsana. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has a huge establishment in Mehsana - ONGC asset. Oil division of Essar Group also has presence in the district. Mehsana district also hosts a Co-operative milk dairy - Dudhsagar, which is the second largest milk dairy in Asia.
Chief crops produced in Mehsana district are Wheat, Castor Seeds, Cotton, Brinjal, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Citrus, Sapota, Okra, Mango, Fennel seed, Psyllium and Cumin. Mehsana is the largest producer of lemon in Gujarat contributing 24 percent to total production of the State. The district is the third largest producer of Tomatoes with 9 percent share in total vegetable production of the State. Other major vegetables include Cluster bean, Potatoes, Okra and Brinjal. Mehsana is the largest producer of Fennel seed with 36 percent contribution in total Spice production of the State.
Major minerals of the district include China clay, Granite, Limestone, Building stone and Fire clay. Vijapur taluka of the district produces 29 percent of total production of China Clay in the State (both mining and processing of China Clay is carried out in the district). Lignite and Coal reserves exist in Visnagar taluka of Mehsana district. The Mineral based industries in Mehsana are engaged in: Glazing and Vitrifying tiles, Granite cutting and Polishing, Micronising, Lavigation (China clay, Fire clay), and Silica sand crushing. There are more than seventy medium and large scale industries in Mehsana district primarily operating in Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Dairy products, Chemicals, Oil and Textiles sectors. The industries are concentrated in Kadi, Mehsana, Visnagar, Vijapur and Becharaji talukas.
There are around 7,183 small scale industries operating in Mehsana district which operates in Textiles, Rubber, Chemicals, and Plastic articles, Metals, Repairing Services, Food and Agro processing and Engineering sector. The majority of the small scale industries are concentrated in Mehsana, Kadi, and Visnagar talukas of the district. The region has advantages of rich agriculture base and accessibility of large chunks of land. Development of industrial area in this surrounding area would help transforming the region into a developed region by growth in infrastructure and industrial activities. Remarkable developments in Pharmaceutical and Plastic sectors and surfacing of new sectors like Cement and Gypsum, Transportation and Telecommunication shall supplement the growth and improvement of industries in Mehsana district.
