GoaCity » City Info » Economy

Goa primary revenue rests on the tourism industry which handles nearly 12.5% of the tourist influx in India. Its lovely coastal beaches, dew fresh greenery and happy-go-lucky people along with an environment that does not support conservatism, allows foreign tourists to enjoy their holidays without any compulsions. Goa’s hippie past from the ’60s and ’70s to its cultural era with inputs from the Portuguese, Dutch and British receives much appreciation from Indian as well as foreign tourists. This blend of religion and ethnic history is rarely to be found anywhere. 

The scenic beauty of Goa includes its never-ending undisturbed beaches with palm and coconut tassels where one can find solace or have a frivolous time. As you travel more inland, you will be enchanted by the natural beauty of paddy fields, ethnic temples, cashew and mango groves and small yet charming villages. During the prime tourist season, the population doubles in Goa with the tourist population almost equaling to the local citizens.

Agriculture

The importance of agriculture has been losing its importance over the time, but still it has been offering employment to major population of Goans. Most of the agricultural products though imported from Karnataka or Maharashtra, paddy crops form a major outcome of the agriculture fields. Other crops grown on Goa’s soil are ragi, maize, jowar, bajra and pulses and fruits like mangoes, coconuts, cashews, and jackfruits.

Mining

After tourism, if any industry requires a mention, then it’s the mining industry in Goa. Goa is a leading producer and exporter of iron ore, manganese, bauxite, high magnesia, limestone and clay. Portugal controlled the mining industry during its heydays, but after the state being liberated the mines were rented out to private owners which is still the rule. These important mines are located mostly in the northern and eastern parts of Goa, while the Marmagoa Port handling the majority of these mines extracts. But uncontrolled mining is leading to the destruction of forests and posing health dangers to the workers at the mine.

Fisheries

Fishery till recent times employed a lot of people because it was dependent on traditional methods of fishing. But with technological advancements in the fishing industry like trawling, goans are trying to break forth from their long-established occupation.

Other industries

Other industries which make noteworthy contributions to the economy are animal husbandry, pesticides, fertilizers, tyres and tubes, iron ore pellets, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, sugar, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, manufacture of wood, crafts, brass, pottery, handloom, leather, bamboo crafts and brewery products.