BEED

According to the 1969 Bhir (now Beed) District Gazetteer, industrial activity in Beed began in 1905 when two Italian traders set up a ginning factory with 22 gins. Subsequently, a ginning and pressing factory was established in 1912, followed by a cotton ginning and oil expelling unit in Parali in 1935. However, there was little industrial progress until after 1950, with most of the current mills and factories being established during that period. 

The 1969 Beed District Gazetteer provides an account of various traditional industries that once played a significant role in the district's economy. Some of them are:

Artisans engaged in bamboo craftsmanship were primarily found in key areas such as Parali, Georai, Ashti, and Ghatnandur. The Burud community traditionally carried out this craft, producing essential household items like mats, winnowing trays (sups), and baskets. Additionally, the Korvi community specialized in making large grain storage containers called kangi.

Bidi-making was a significant cottage industry in the district, relying on locally sourced tobacco and specific leaves, including kuda, tambri, and tumari. Additional tobacco was imported from regions such as Nipani and Kolhapur, while leaves were procured from Madhya Pradesh. Major centers for bidi-making included Georai, Majalgaon, and Parali.

The brick and pottery industry, a longstanding trade, remained crucial due to the constant demand for building materials. The industry was primarily practiced by the Kumbhar community, with major centers for production in Beed, Georai, and Majalgaon.

Wool-weaving was a hereditary occupation of the Dhangar community, with major centers in Beed, Dharur, and Parali. This industry was seasonal, with many artisans shifting to agriculture during the rainy months. The various stages of wool-weaving, including sheep rearing, shearing, carding, spinning, warping, sizing, and weaving, were all undertaken by the Dhangars. 

Rope-making was a traditional craft largely practiced by the Mang community, with significant activity in Yelam and surrounding areas. The primary raw material used was sisal fiber, which was sourced from local sisal plantations, notably in the Ashti and Georai regions.

Tanning, a hereditary trade of the Dhor community, was historically practiced in areas such as Beed, Georai, and Majalgaon. The raw hides and skins of buffaloes, bullocks, cows, sheep, and goats were supplied by the Mahar community, who were responsible for flaying deceased animals.

Industries in Beed district, particularly the sugar industry, have significant environmental and social impacts. According to a recent paper from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), climate change has led to frequent droughts, devastating local agriculture, and forced many women into sugarcane labor. Data from 1986 to 2022 indicates a decline in rainfall and increasing drought severity, driving labor migration. Most migrants work under labor contractors as husband-and-wife teams, facing harsh conditions and limited access to medical care.