SANGLI

Sangli’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, sugar industries, textiles, dairy farming, and small-scale manufacturing. According to the Maharashtra Economic Survey (2023), a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in sugarcane cultivation and processing, with numerous cooperative sugar mills and jaggery production units providing employment. The region is also a major centre for grape cultivation and wine production, making it a key player in Maharashtra’s wine industry.

In addition to agriculture, textiles and turmeric processing play a crucial role in employment generation. Ichalkaranji and Islampur serve as important textile hubs, with numerous power looms and garment manufacturing units. The service sector, including wholesale trade, banking, and transport, is expanding, particularly in urban areas like Sangli and Miraj.

Employment in Sangli is highly seasonal, particularly in agriculture. As per the Maharashtra State Migration Report (2022), labour demand peaks during the sugarcane harvesting season (October to February) when thousands of workers migrate within the district to work in sugar mills.

During the monsoon season (June to September), agricultural labourers are engaged in paddy, soybean, and turmeric cultivation, but once harvesting ends, many seek work in brick kilns, construction, and transport. The wine industry also experiences seasonal spikes, especially during grape harvesting and processing months.

Due to climate change and unpredictable monsoons, the dependence on seasonal labour migration has increased, with workers often travelling to Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in search of better-paying jobs.

Sangli has a strong presence of labour unions in the sugar, textile, and construction sectors. The Sangli Sugar Mill Workers’ Union has been instrumental in securing fair wages and social security benefits for sugar mill workers.

The Maharashtra Bidi Mazdoor Union represents bidi workers in Sangli and Miraj, advocating for better wages and safer working conditions. Similarly, the Construction Workers’ Federation of India (CWFI) protects labourers engaged in infrastructure projects.

Despite these efforts, many contract labourers and informal workers remain outside the formal social security system, with limited access to healthcare and pension benefits.

Sangli has several technical and vocational training institutions that provide skill development. According to the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET, 2023), key institutions include:

• Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, offers degrees in engineering and applied sciences.
• Government Polytechnic, Miraj, specialises in diploma courses for technical trades.
• ITI Islampur, which provides training in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades.

The demand for dairy technology and food processing courses has increased, given the region’s strong agriculture and dairy industries.