NANDED

Nanded district is primarily an agricultural region known for producing significant cash crops such as cotton and oilseeds, alongside food grains like pulses, wheat, and jowar. This agricultural focus has led to the establishment of various industries, including those involved in ginning and pressing, vegetable oil extraction, decorticating, and dal milling. The cultivation of groundnuts and cotton seeds has particularly facilitated the growth of the agro-industry related to oil-seed crushing.

The sugar industry is a key economic sector in Nanded, with numerous cooperative and private mills supporting the agricultural economy. These mills process sugarcane into refined sugar while also producing by-products like molasses, ethanol, and bagasse, which benefit the local distillery and power generation sectors. Some of the mills include Sarkarwada Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. (Kandhar), Keshavrao Sonawane Co-operative Sugar Factory (Loha), and Vishnuanna Patil Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana (Mukhed).

The pharmaceutical sector is an emerging industry in Nanded, with an increasing number of small and medium-scale companies producing generic medicines, syrups, and Ayurvedic products. The presence of several PCD (Propaganda Cum Distribution) Pharma franchises has facilitated market entry for new entrepreneurs. Some of the pharmaceutical companies in the district include Vedant Pharma (Nanded), Hindustan Biotech (Mukhed), and Satguru Pharma (Kandhar).

Agriculture remains central to Nanded’s economy, with agro-processing industries playing a vital role in enhancing the value of local produce. Key sectors include rice milling, dal processing, edible oil refining, and turmeric processing. Some of the agro-processing units include Nanded Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. (Edible Oil & Rice Milling), Jadhav Turmeric Processing (Bhokar), and Prajwal Agro Dal Mill (Loha).

The 1971 Nanded Gazetteer also states that cottage industries were crucial for Nanded’s economy, offering jobs to different communities.

Some of the cottage industries in Nanded included:

Handloom weaving was a significant cottage industry in the Nanded district, employing a large number of artisans. This industry was primarily concentrated in areas such as Nanded, Deglur, Loha, Kandhar, Mudkhed, Umri, Biloli, and Mukhed.

Wool weaving was one of the oldest industries in Nanded, primarily found in the Biloli tahsil. This seasonal industry engaged artisans during and after the winter months. The primary raw materials, including locally sourced wool and tamarind seeds, supported the craft.

Bamboo working was a traditional occupation of the Burud community across the Nanded district. Artisans primarily crafted household items such as winnowing fans and baskets. Bamboo, the main raw material, was sourced from neighboring districts like Karnool and Adilabad in Andhra Pradesh.

Pottery and brickmaking were hereditary occupations practiced by Kumbhars in nearly every village in Nanded. These artisans produced earthen vessels and toys, supplying them to local communities. The industry played a crucial role in maintaining cultural traditions while meeting local demand.

Leatherworking and tanning were important industries in Nanded, primarily carried out by hereditary artisans from the Dhors and Chambhars communities. Key centers for this industry included Nanded, Naigaon, Deglur, and Hadgaon.

Initially dominated by the Sutar community, it later expanded to include artisans from various backgrounds. Major centers for carpentry included Nanded, Kinwat, Hadgaon, Deglur, Bhokar, and Biloli.

Blacksmithing was a common trade in every town and village in Nanded. Lohar families traditionally engaged in producing and repairing agricultural tools and domestic items such as spades, pickaxes, axes, sickles, and frying pans.

Nanded district in Maharashtra is home to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) specifically focused on the pharmaceuticals sector, located in the Krushnoor Industrial Area within Naigaon Taluka. Managed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), this SEZ became operational on January 11, 2013. Its establishment aims to stimulate industrial growth in Nanded, which has historically been an agrarian economy.

The environmental impact of industries in the Nanded district, particularly agro-industries, is a major concern due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improper waste disposal. Overuse of NPK fertilizers in oilseed farming has led to soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and eutrophication of water bodies. Similarly, pesticides like DDT and endosulfan pose risks to human health, livestock, and ecosystems, necessitating a shift toward bio-pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis and neem-based products. Additionally, agro-industrial waste, especially sludge from oil processing, is often dumped into local water bodies like the Godavari River, introducing toxic elements such as cadmium and mercury into the environment.