Gujarat: agriculture, industry and transportation - class-X

Gujarat is the largest producer of Milk.

Gujarat lies in sub tropical high pressure zone towards west India. It is characterized by semi - arid & arid conditions. The coastal zone of the state remains dry during most part of the year. Hence, salt production is high.

Ankleswar is famous for petrochemical industry. After independence oil was first struck in Gujarat at Lunej of Kheda (now in Anand district) in 1958. Thereafter oil was found at Ankleshwar, Mahesana, Kalol etc.

The Bhal region is situated on the deltas of the Sabarmati, Bhogawo, Bhada, Lilka and other rivers that flow east and southeast off the Kathiawar peninsula into the Gulf of Cambay. Bhalia Wheat is a major farm cultivation in the region.

Tobacco plants require sandy and fertile soil to grow.
Moderate rainfall is required for the production of
tobacco. Charotar (Kheda - Vadodara) district is the
leading producer of tobacco in Gujarat. When the
leaves of tobacco plants dry up, it appears yellow like
gold.

Fertile land, adequate rainfall and good irrigation
facilities are the essential factors for the production of
sugarcane. Sugarcane is grown more in the districts of
Surat, Navsari and Saurashtra.

Sandy and soft coloured
(Goradu) soil is suitable for
millet. Gujarat ranks second in
the production of millet in India.
Banaskantha district is the
leading producer of millet. Millet
requires less rainfall, moderate
temperature and an adequate
amount of sunlight.

Millet (Bajra)
Sandy and soft coloured
(Goradu) soil is suitable for
millet. Gujarat ranks second in
the production of millet in India.
Banaskantha district is the
leading producer of millet. Millet
requires less rainfall, moderate
temperature and an adequate
amount of sunlight.

Barley is the second most important crop of Gujarat in
terms of production. Barley is grown in maximum parts
of Gujarat. Barley is grown in both the winter as well as
summer seasons. Barley plants are mainly used as
fodder.

Groundnut requires less fertile and moderate black
sand mixed soil as it is most suitable for the production
of groundnut.
Junagadh district is the leading producer of groundnut
in Gujarat.

Sesame and Castor are also grown in Gujarat in sufficient quantity.
Gujarat is the leading state in castor seeds production in India
followed by Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. 

Black soil is the best for the production of cotton.
Kanam province of Bharuch in Gujarat is well known
for the production of best quality, long threads of
cotton. 

Paddy is grown in the regions receiving more rainfall
and fertile soil. It is mainly grown in the water logged
farms. Paddy is produced maximum in Kheda district
of Gujarat.

In Gujarat, the main reason for the development of
agriculture is the increase in irrigation facilities.
Generally, irrigation means supplying water to the
fields through the manmade sources like wells,
under-ground water, small and big dams etc. This
process is called irrigation. There are other projects for irrigation like the Narmada project where water is
conserved in dams. Water is supplied to farms through canals.

Textile Industry is a agro - based Industry. This industry is dependent on agriculture. Ahmedabad is the main Centre of the textile industry in
Gujarat. Apart from it, there are textile mills in Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot also.

Sugar Industry is a agro - based Industry. This industry is dependent on agriculture. Sugar industries are located in South Gujarat. The main centres are Navsari and Surat whereas another
industry is situated in kodinar of Junagadh district.

Sardar Sarovar project is the main irrigation project of Gujarat. Around 66,000 km long canals would be constructed.
Everyday 35,000 lakh liters of drinking water will be supplied to the people.

There are three types of railways in Gujarat: 

Gujarat State Road Transportation Corporation (G.S.R.T.C.) is the most
important public transport system of Gujarat. It provides services to
almost all cities and villages of the state.

There are three types of railways in Gujarat: (1) Broad Gauge (2) Meter
Gauge (3) Narrow Gauge.
Narrow Gauge is used more in the mountainous regions.
Railways started in Gujarat in 1855 between Utaran and Ankleshwar.

Petrochemicals industry is rapidly developing in Gujarat. Vadodara
is its main Centre. The wastes from the refineries are very useful as raw
material. Tar, rubber, artificial fiber, etc. are prepared in these factories.
Gujarat Refinery is situated at Koyli near Vododara. Colour chemical factories
are situated in Valsad (Atul).

Fluorspar is found in the districts of Vadodara, Bharuch. Fluorspar is very useful for
melting metals. It is
available only in Gujarat in
entire Asia.

Wheat is produced in the black and loamy soil which
holds moisture. For the better production of wheat
moderate temperature, rainfall and sufficient sunlight is
required at the time of harvest. Wheat production is
more in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Surendranagar
districts of Gujarat. Bhal region of Ahmedabad
(Dhandhuka Taluka) is well known for the production of
Bhalia wheat. Bhalia, a long grain wheat variety rich in
protein is grown under conserved soil moisture
conditions in Bhal region of Gujarat.

The fishing industry is developed well near the shores of Gujarat viz.
Veraval, Bedi Port, Jafrabad and Umargaon. The oil refinery which refines shark oil is
established in Veraval.

In Gujarat, dairies like Dudhsagar Dairy (Mehsana), Amul
(Anand), Banas (Palanpur) and Sabar Dairy (Himmatnagar)are located.