DHARASHIV

The industrial landscape in Dharashiv District presents a paradox; it is classified as a drought-prone area in Maharashtra, frequently highlighted in media reports due to issues like farmer suicides and declining groundwater levels. Despite these significant challenges, the district boasts the highest number of sugar factories in the state. Farmers primarily cultivate crops such as soybeans, pigeon peas (tur), chickpeas (harbhara), and notably, sugarcane, which plays an important role in the local economy. 

The sugar industry is a key driver of Dharashiv district’s economy, supported by extensive sugarcane cultivation and over 20 operational factories. Major sugarcane-growing areas include Kalamb, Lohara, and Omerga.

Dharashiv district has a diverse agricultural landscape, cultivating both Kharif and Rabi crops such as sorghum, pigeon pea, black gram, sunflower, wheat, and sugarcane. Horticultural produce, including mangoes and grapes, also contributes significantly. Modern advancements, like solar-based induction machines in dairy farming, have improved sustainability and enhanced the production of khawa while reducing environmental impact.

The 1972 Osmanabad (now Dharashiv) Gazetteer states that cottage industries were crucial for Dharashiv’s economy, offering jobs to different communities. Some of the cottage industries in Dharashiv included:

During the early 1970s, the gul and khandsari industry gained prominence in Dharashiv due to rising prices and increasing demand for these products. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation led to the establishment of several small-scale gul-making units near sugarcane-growing areas. These units produced gul and khandsari in limited quantities.

Leather tanning was a well-established cottage industry in Dharashiv district, with concentrations in Udgir, Paranda, Umarga, Gunjoti, Sastar, Lohara, Murum, Tuljapur, Andora, and Lamjana. Tanning was traditionally the occupation of the Dhor community, though some individuals from the Mang community also engaged in the trade. 

Handloom weaving was one of the district’s traditional cottage industries, primarily concentrated in Latur, Osmanabad, Paranda, Bhum, Ausa, Udgir, Gunjoti, and Murum.

Wool weaving was another significant cottage industry, concentrated in Paranda, Bhum, Ausa, Udgir, Gunjoti, and Murum. The blanket weavers, known as Sangars, primarily produced kamblis (woollen blankets).

Pottery was a widely practised cottage industry, found in nearly every village. However, it was particularly concentrated in Latur, Osmanabad, Tuljapur, Udgir, and Paranda. The Kumbhar community traditionally practised this craft, with 2,217 individuals engaged in pottery as per the 1961 Census. 

Brick-making, another traditional occupation of the Kumbhar community, was found across the district. By the 1960s, increased construction activity had led to a surge in demand for bricks.

Dharashiv has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in business and industry. These families have contributed to sectors such as sugar production, textiles, and dairy farming, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Some of the most notable among them include the Shivaji Patil, Katare, and Jadhav families.

The predominant sugar industry, while economically significant, generates considerable waste, including wastewater and solid waste, which can lead to soil and water pollution if not managed properly. Additionally, the reliance on traditional wood-fired methods for dairy processing has resulted in deforestation and air pollution, contributing to environmental degradation in the region.