Economy of Haryana

Economy and Infrastructure

Most of the land in Haryana is suitable for agriculture and 60 percent is irrigated. More than three-fourths of the population is employed in agriculture. The state is a major producer of wheat and rice. Other important crops include oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, potatoes, pulses (edible seeds gathered from pea and bean crops), barley, millet, and maize.

Production has been stimulated by Haryana’s closeness to the markets of New Delhi and (Old) Delhi, good road and rail links, and the use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Haryana is renowned for its prizewinning steers and dairy cattle. The state has an extensive rail system. Delhi, on Haryana’s eastern boundary, serves as the main air traffic hub.

The state also has a very sound industrial base. Major industries include cotton and woolen textiles, scientific instruments, glass, cement, paper and sugar milling, automobiles, tires, bicycles, and electronic equipment.

Haryana is India’s largest producer of automobile spare parts. Haryana produces the largest number of tractors in the country. It is well known for its handloom products. Panipat has earned the reputation of being the “weaver’s city” of India for its exquisite hand- tufted woolen carpets and colourful handloom products.

Haryana is a beneficiary of the multi-purpose project on Setluj with Beas, where it shares benefit with Punjab and Rajasthan. Major irrigation projects are Western Yamuna Canal, Bhakra Canal System and Gurgaon Canal.

The state has completed Jui Loharu and Sewani lift irrigation schemes. Jawaharlal Nehru irrigation scheme, the biggest of its kind shall be completed soon. Haryana is well connected by rail, air and road network. With a total road network of 23106 kms, it has airports at Pinjore, Karnal, Hisar, Bhiwani and Narnaul.