Agriculture:Though for its day-to-day needs of agricultural produce like vegetables, etc., Goa is dependent on the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa however yields substantial amounts of paddy, followed by other cereals such as small millets and pulses. The main plantation crops of Goa are coconut, areca nut, cashew and garden crops like mango, pineapple, jackfruits and bananas.
The important forests products are bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chillar barks, bhirand etc. Business and Commerce: TThe Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry was established in 1908 as “Associacao Commercial da India Portuguesa”. It is situated at Goa Chamber Building, Rua de Ormuz, Panaji. It is active in helping Goan industries to face the challenges of a competitive market economy by identifying new markets for local products. It helps in implementing favorable industrial policies and educating its members in various commercial, industrial and other related legislations.
The Banks in Goa too go a long way to contribute to the economy of Goa. Nationalized and other banks have branches all over Goa. Most of these banks have foreign currency exchange facilities.
Electronic Industry: The electronic industry in Goa doesn’t lag behind either. The Government to strengthen this sector has recommended policies like the Action Plans, IT Governance and development of Software industry. The first of the Software Technology Park (STP) complex, which is coming up at Verna, is just 12 kms from Goa airport.
Fisheries: Goa has a coastal line of about 105 kms and inland water ways up to 250 kms. Having such an abundance of water-bodies, marine life and sea food are found in abundance. So the fishing industry provides is a major strength to the economy of Goa. Besides, strengthening the economy, it provides employment to a large number of people in Goa. The fish marine catch in 1998-99 is estimated at 65,841 tonnes valued at Rs. 9,029 lakhs.
Mining Industry: Though post-liberated Goa has come a long way from depending on mining as the sole industrial activity, Mining Industry retains its importance even today. It forms the backbone of Goan economy providing employment to a large number of Goan population. Iron and manganese ores are the chief finds followed by bauxite, limestone and clay. Tourism: The economy of Goa receives its major boost from the tourist industry. A tourist’s paradise for both Indians and foreigners, it attracts tourists in thousands. Lavishly gifted by nature for its scenic beauty, virgin beaches girdling its 105-km long palm-fringed coast interspersed with enchanting coves, bays and estuaries, paddy fields, shady coconut, cashew and mango groves dotted with tiny picturesque villages, temples and churches renowned for worship and pilgrims, forts and. Tourism is so prominent that the number of tourists almost equals the number of state population. As a direct result of tourism in Goa, the hotel and travel industry thrive also.
