 Gujarat has witnessed impressive industrial development since its formation as a state in 1960. The industrial sector at present comprises of over 1200 large industries and over 3,12,000 micro, small and medium industries. As per the results of the Annual Survey of Industry (ASI), 2004-05 carried out by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), under Ministry of Statistics and Programmme Implementation, Government of India, Gujarat accounts for 17.2% of fixed capital investment, 15.6% of value of production and 13.7% of value added in industrial sector in India. Gujarat has achieved the distinction of being the top most industrially developed state in India in respect of investment in industrial sector and second among states in respect of value of production and value addition in industrial sector in India. |
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| Over the years, Gujarat has diversified its industrial base. The state was known for textiles industry. Today, refined petroleum products has emerged as the largest industrial group followed by chemicals including dyes and pharma products, agro and food processing, engineering industries, basic metal industry, textiles and apparels and other industries in descending order in terms of value of output in all industry in Gujarat. The industries in Gujarat produce variety of products. However, the important products which have substantial contribution in India include: Soda Ash having 94% share, Salt (80%), Polyester Filament Yarn (75%), Refined Petroleum products (55%), Phosphate Fertilizers (36%), caustic soda (35%), Textile Fabrics (34%), Sponge iron (33%), cement (10%) and so on. Gujarat is also having largest share in diamond cutting & polishing. |
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| Gujarat has also achieved industrial dispersal. In 1960s only four cities namely Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and Rajkot and some isolated locations such as Mithapur and Valsad etc. were the industrial centers. Today, almost all districts of the state have witnessed industrial development. |
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| This impressive industrial development has been possible due to a judicious exploitation of natural resources, such as minerals, oil and gas, marine, agriculture and animal wealth. The discovery of oil and gas in Gujarat has played an important role in setting up of petroleum refineries, fertilizer plants and petrochemical complexes. The state government has also established a good institutional network. Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), has established industrial estates providing developed plots and ready sheds for setting up industries throughout the state. Institutions were also set up to provide term finance, assistance for purchase of raw materials, plant and equipment and marketing of products. Later, District Industries Centers (DICs) were set up in all districts to provide assistance in setting up industrial units and provide support services. The state also developed infrastructure facilities required for industries, such as power, roads, ports, water supply and technical education institutions. The state government introduced incentive schemes, from time to time, to promote industries. |
