Economy of Manipur

Agriculture and allied activities is the single largest source of livelihood, for a majority of the rural masses, and is also the mainstay of the state economy. Industry in Manipur is not very well developed. However, the state is now making rapid strides towards industrialisation, with the setting up of many large and small-scale industrial units. The main industries of Manipur are pharmaceuticals, steel re-rolling, plywood, bamboo chipping, cement, vanaspati and electronics.

The state is well connected by airways and roads. Railway tracks are being laid for better transportation facilities. The state of Manipur, once a princely state became a part of India on the 15th of October 1949. Agriculture and allied activities provide the backbone to the economy in both the hills and the valley of Manipur.

While weaving and pisciculture are other important and traditional means of livelihood in the valley, logging, cultivation of a few cash crops, handloom and handicrafts are the traditional sources of additional income in the hills. In terms of infrastructure Manipur is quite backward with an index of infrastructure of 81 (as per CMIE index in 1992-93). The reference point is 100, the national average. Moreh has become an important business centre because of border trade with Myanmar.

In 1996-97, the contribution of the tertiary sector to SDP was the highest. It comprised almost half of the SDP of Manipur. Over the years, there has been a shift in the sectoral contribution from the primary to the tertiary sector and the secondary sector indicates a fluctuating trend.