|
|
| Ecomony |
The major
industries include PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints and
varnishes, fibre glass, soft drinks and beverages and steel
furniture.
|
Agriculture
A total of 48,675 hecatres of land is used for agriculture
purposes. Paddy, the main food crop, is mostly cultivated
in Andaman group of islands, whereas coconut and arecanut
are the cash crops of Nicobar group of islands. Field crops,
namely, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables are grown, followed
by paddy during Rabi season. |
 |
| |
Different kinds
of fruits such as mango, sapota, orange, banana, papaya, pineapple
and root crops are grown on hilly land owned by farmers. Spices,
viz., pepper, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon are grown under
multi-tier cropping system. Rubber, red oil, palm and cashew
are grown on a limited scale in these islands. Luxurious rainforests
make the Andamans a gold mine for timber. The potential for
fishery offers industrial possibilities.
|
 |
Industry
There are 1,374 registered small scale, village and
handicrafts units. Two units are export oriented in
the line of fish processing activity. Apart from this,
there are shells and wood based handicraft units.
There are also four medium sized industrial units.
SSI units are engaged in the production of polythene
bags, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints and varnished,
fibre glass and mini flour mills, soft drinks and
beverages, etc. |
Small scale and handicraft units are also engaged in shell
crafts, bakery products, rice milling, furniture making, etc.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation
has spread its wings in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries
and industrial financing and functions as authorised agents
for Alliance Air/ et Airways.
From a tourist point these islands have immense potential.
The clear waters and white sandy beaches make Andamans a
perfect tropical paradise. The Andamans are surrounded by
shallow coral reefs and a clear sea. It is an ideal location
for a relaxed holiday. But there are many out of bound and
protected areas. Indians have more freedom to explore the
islands than foreigners who are not allowed to enter any
of the Nicobar Islands.
The Andamans have immense potential but they are not being
tapped properly. The development has been insignificant
but the population has increased alarmingly. There has been
migration of the Tamils who were expelled from Sri Lanka.
This tropical paradise though green at present will not
remain the same for long due to the rapid clearing of forests
in the name of development. The natural teak forests are
being cleared for the rubber plantation. On the whole, the
islands are good for tourism but not for long duration of
stay.
|
|
|
