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Business and Industry in India



India has a very diverse industry. About 65% of its people work in farming, but India is also one of the largest developers of computer software in the world. It exports manufactured goods and has a growing tourist industry. India is also part of the international economy and tries to get other nations to invest money in Indian businesses.


FARMING


A young banana plant (right)

India has many farmers (over 65% of the population) but they usually work small farms that cover only 2 or 3 acres. Rice is a major crop, grown in areas where there is a lot of rain. Wheat, jute, and cotton are other staple crops. Farmers also grow lentils, coffee, and sugarcane. Tea is a major crop in India, and much of it is exported to other countries. There are many different fruits grown in India, such as mangos, bananas, papayas, and watermelons. These are often sold in India itself.

New agricultural methods and technology has made farming more profitable and improved production. Grain production in particular has improved, helping to feed many people with extra left over. Agricultural and related exports make up 30% of the total gross domestic product of India.




INDUSTRY

Even though there are so many farmers, India also has a strong industry. Textiles are one of the most important areas of production, employing almost 20 million people. Fabrics of all kinds are made, such as silk or cotton. Ready-made clothes are produced as well as plain cloth, either for export or use in India.

India makes many electronics, such as televisions, microwaves, and computers. It also produces cars small appliances. Many international companies come to India because of the low cost of production. There are also factories that export leather goods. Mining is another source of industry, especially coal and iron ore.




COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY


The computer industry is one of the fastest growing areas of the Indian economy. It has increased computer hardware and software related production by 50% in the last 2 years. Indians are skilled in design, applications, and artificial intelligence. Many work in large software companies from over 43 countries. The government is very focused on making India even more of a leader worldwide in developing information technology.







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The creator of this site would like to thank:
The Indian embassy (http://www.indianembassy.org) for comprehensive information on all areas of business in India.