Introduction to Meghalaya Economy

Introduction to Meghalaya economy

About Meghalaya:

Meghalaya, the Abode of Clouds, is a state in the Northeast region of India. The state has a total area of 22,429 sq km and about one third of the state is under mountain forest cover. Meghalaya has a total Population of 29,66,889, as per the 2011 census. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. The state is surrounded by Assam to its north and Bangladesh to its south.

Meghalaya lies in the Northeastern part of India. The fact remains that a major part of the border of the state is situated on the north and eastern part of Assam. The south and west part are with Bangladesh. It is possible to consider Meghalaya as the wettest state in the country, experiencing an annual rainfall of 1,200 cm. There are numerous rivers including Ganol, Umiam, Umngot, Umkhem and Damring. Apart from the aforementioned rivers, you can also find a number of other rivers such as Umiam Mawphlang and Khri.

Economy of Meghalaya

The economy of Meghalaya is predominantly agrarian. About two-third of the total population of the state is engaged in allied and agriculture. Although the majority of the population is involved in agriculture as profession, this sector has very low contribution in the GDP of the state. The climatic conditions of the state encourage the cultivation of variety of Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture crops which includes vegetables, fruits, spices, flowers etc. The state is rich in natural Resources and plenty of Minerals such as sillimanite, limestone, coal, granite etc. are available in abundance.

Meghalaya, with an Average annual rainfall of 1,150 cm, receives the highest amount of rainfall in the country. The diverse range of Soil-types/”>Soil Types, including red-loamy and laterite, support various agricultural crops like rice, maize, pulses, oilseeds, Cotton, jute and mesta. Meghalaya has a strong floriculture sector and is one of the leading states in the Northeast in terms of production and supply of cut flowers to mainland consumer markets. About 14 per cent (3,108 square kilometres) of Meghalaya is covered by bamboo forests, and the state is one of the leading bamboo producers in the country. The state has achieved success in the cultivation of non-traditional crops like tea, cashew nut, oilseeds, tomato, mushroom, wheat, etc. During 2015-16, the state produced 409.25 thousand tonnes of fruits under an area of 37.14 thousand hectares. Similarly, 88.20 thousand tonnes of spices were produced in the state under an area of 18.20 thousand hectares during 2015-16.

Of the 6,000 medicinal Plants in India, 834 plants, including the famous Himalayan Yew, are in Meghalaya. Moreover, the state has eight of the top 20 medicinal plants that are traded in the country and are in high demand.

Meghalaya had an installed hydroelectric power capacity of 356.58 MW as of June 2016, comprising 313.03 MW from state utilities and 197.42 MW from central utilities. Of the total installed power generation capacity, 356.58 MW was contributed by hydropower, 122.84 MW by thermal power, and 31.03 MW by renewable power. The potential for hydropower in the state is estimated to be around 3,000 MW.

Meghalaya, with abundant deposits of coal, limestone, kaolin feldspar, quartz, granite, industrial clay and uranium and a small deposit base of sillimanite, bauxite, base metals and apatite has great industrial potential.

Meghalaya, one of the most picturesque states in the country, has two National Parks and three wildlife sanctuaries. It offers many adventure tourism opportunities like mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking & trekking, water Sports, etc.

Agro-processing, horticulture, minerals, tourism, electronics and IT have been identified as thrust sectors for development and promotion. The state provides excellent institutional support through various central and State Government agencies, namely North East Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, and Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation.

The Natural Resources, policy incentives and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE in the state favour investments in the tourism, hydroelectric power, manufacturing and mining sectors. Mineral, horticulture, electronics, IT, agro-processing and tourism have been identified as the thrust sectors for industrial development. The state has abundant natural resources, which offer significant avenues for Investment. About 14 per cent (3,108 square kilometres) of Meghalaya is covered by bamboo forests and the state is one of the leading bamboo producers in the country.

Key Sectors:

Meghalaya is one of the leading north-eastern states in terms of production and supply of cut flowers to mainland consumer markets. The state’s Climate, particularly the areas near Shillong in East Khasi hills district, is well suited for cut flower production.
Meghalaya is one of the leading producers of bamboo in the country. Bamboo enterprises can be developed from the bamboo reserves and forest cultivations. Natural bamboo forests cover 3,108 square kilometers (14 per cent) of Meghalaya’s total geographical area.
Meghalaya has a climate that supports agricultural and horticultural activities. The state offers potential for investment in these areas.
As of June 2016, the state had an installed hydroelectric power capacity of 356.58 MW. The state utilities accounted for a share of 79 per cent in total installed capacity and the remaining is contributed by the central sector. Hydroelectric power projects with a total capacity of 687 MW have been proposed to be set up in Meghalaya. All these projects are projected to be operational by 2016-17.
Meghalaya is richly endowed with Flora, Fauna, thick forests, ancient forest groves, large rivers and grass fields – making it an attractive tourism destination.
Meghalaya has an established tradition of high-quality weaving. Around 15,900 families are involved in handloom activities in the state. There are eight handloom production centres, 24 handloom demonstration-cum-production centres, 24 weaving training centres and a state-level handloom training institute (Mendipathar, East Garo Hills) in the state.

Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India. It is the 29th largest state by area and the 23rd most populous state in India. The state is bordered by Assam to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the south, and Bangladesh to the west. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong.

The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, Forestry, and tourism. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the people of Meghalaya. The main crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, maize, tea, and potatoes. The state also has a significant forest cover. The forests of Meghalaya are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Tourism is another important Source Of Income for Meghalaya. The state is home to a number of beautiful tourist destinations, including the Mawlynnong village, the Nokrek National Park, and the Cherrapunji waterfalls.

The infrastructure in Meghalaya is not very developed. The state has a poor road Network and a limited number of Airports. The state also has a shortage of electricity. The government of Meghalaya is working to improve the infrastructure in the state. The government is building new roads, airports, and power plants.

The Human Development index of Meghalaya is 0.628, which is lower than the national average of 0.634. The Literacy rate in Meghalaya is 75.6%, which is higher than the national average of 74.04%. The life expectancy at birth in Meghalaya is 67.3 years, which is lower than the national average of 68.2 years.

The government of Meghalaya is a parliamentary Democracy. The head of state is the Governor, who is appointed by the President of India. The head of government is the Chief Minister, who is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of Meghalaya.

The main social issues in Meghalaya are POVERTY, illiteracy, and Unemployment. The state also has a high rate of alcoholism and drug abuse. The government of Meghalaya is working to address these social issues. The government is providing free Education and healthcare to the poor. The government is also providing EMPLOYMENT opportunities to the youth.

The Environment of Meghalaya is very beautiful. The state is home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The state also has a number of beautiful waterfalls. However, the environment of Meghalaya is under threat from deforestation, mining, and pollution. The government of Meghalaya is working to protect the environment of the state. The government has banned deforestation and mining in some areas. The government is also working to reduce pollution.

The future prospects of Meghalaya are bright. The state has a number of natural resources, including minerals, forests, and water. The state also has a young population. The government of Meghalaya is working to develop the economy of the state. The government is investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The government is also working to promote tourism.

What is the economy of Meghalaya like?

Meghalaya is a small state in northeastern India with a population of over 3 million people. The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The state is also home to a number of small industries, including tea production, handloom weaving, and handicrafts.

What are the main industries in Meghalaya?

The main industries in Meghalaya are agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, accounting for over 50% of the state’s GDP. The main crops grown in Meghalaya are rice, maize, and tea. Forestry is also an important sector of the economy, accounting for over 10% of the state’s GDP. The state has a large forest cover, which is home to a variety of timber and non-timber forest products. Tourism is a growing sector of the economy, accounting for over 10% of the state’s GDP. The state is home to a number of natural attractions, including waterfalls, caves, and wildlife sanctuaries.

What are the main challenges facing the economy of Meghalaya?

The main challenges facing the economy of Meghalaya are poverty, unemployment, and Infrastructure Development. Poverty is a major problem in Meghalaya, with over 30% of the population living below the Poverty Line. Unemployment is also a major problem, with over 20% of the population unemployed. Infrastructure development is another major challenge, with the state having a poor road network and limited access to electricity and water.

What are the government’s plans to address the challenges facing the economy of Meghalaya?

The government of Meghalaya has a number of plans to address the challenges facing the economy. These plans include:

Increasing investment in agriculture and forestry
Developing the tourism sector
Improving infrastructure development
Promoting Entrepreneurship and small businesses

The government is also working to improve the education system and to provide more job opportunities for the youth.

Meghalaya is a state in north-eastern India. It is bordered by Assam to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the south, and Bangladesh to the west. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong.
Meghalaya is a mountainous state with a population of over 3 million people. The majority of the population is Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo peoples.
The economy of Meghalaya is based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The state is also home to a number of mineral resources, including coal, limestone, and uranium.
Meghalaya is a beautiful state with a rich culture and history. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, its unique culture, and its friendly people.

Here are some MCQs about Meghalaya:

Which of the following is not a neighboring state of Meghalaya?
(A) Assam
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Nagaland
(D) Manipur
The capital of Meghalaya is:
(A) Shillong
(B) Guwahati
(C) Imphal
(D) Kohima
The majority of the Population of Meghalaya is:
(A) Khasi
(B) Jaintia
(C) Garo
(D) All of the above
The economy of Meghalaya is based on:
(A) Agriculture
(B) Forestry
(C) Tourism
(D) All of the above
Meghalaya is a popular tourist destination for its:
(A) Natural beauty
(B) Unique culture
(C) Friendly people
(D) All of the above