JALNA

Jalna has emerged as a key industrial centre, driven by the growth of its steel and seed industries. The steel sector, which gained traction in the 1980s and 1990s, continues to expand with investments from established business families, playing a crucial role in the district’s economic landscape. Simultaneously, the seed industry, pioneered by Dr. Badrinarayan Barwale, has earned Jalna the title of Maharashtra’s seed capital, fostering advancements in hybridisation and biotechnology. 

Jalna is widely recognised for its steel re-rolling mills, which are a fundamental component of the district's industrial landscape. These mills transform raw steel into various finished products used in construction and manufacturing. Due to the high concentration of these mills, Jalna has gained prominence in Maharashtra's steel sector.

Jalna has a long history in the textile sector, dating back to the late 19th century. Cotton processing remains one of the key economic drivers, with numerous ginning and pressing factories as well as textile manufacturing units operating in the district.

Jalna is one of Maharashtra’s top producers of sweet lemons (mosambi). This agricultural advantage has fostered the growth of food processing industries specialising in citrus-based products, including juices and concentrates.

Jalna has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in politics, business, and social development. Their contributions span sectors such as education, agriculture, cooperatives, and rural development, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Notable families include the Deshmukh family and the Keshavrao Sonawane family.

The steel industries in the Jalna district face significant environmental concerns primarily related to air quality and pollution management. A major issue is the emission of particulate matter, which has been exacerbated by non-compliance with directives from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Many steel industries have failed to install necessary pollution control measures, such as filters for their chimneys, leading to deteriorating air quality in the region. Reports indicate that Jalna has been identified as one of the cities violating PM 10 standards, contributing to health risks for residents and environmental degradation.

The district is also home to agro-based industries, including pulse mills, oil mills, and sugar factories, which can generate significant waste and effluents. These agro-industries often discharge untreated wastewater into nearby water bodies, leading to water pollution and affecting local ecosystems.

Industrial growth has also driven notable migration patterns. The steel industry has attracted a large workforce from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha, with migrants primarily taking up low-skilled and physically demanding jobs, while locals often secure relatively higher-skilled housekeeping roles. Similarly, oil mills employ a mix of skilled and unskilled labourers, many of whom come from nearby talukas. Locals say that while industries have created employment opportunities, traditional farming remains a preferred occupation for those with agricultural land. However, landless labourers increasingly seek work in MIDC and related industries due to inconsistent rainfall and fluctuating crop prices.