UPSC Geography Optional Notes: Major Industries of India
1. Aluminium Industry
Introduction
• Aluminium is a light, corrosion-resistant, and durable metal.
• It is crucial in transportation, construction, packaging, electricity, and aerospace.
• India is among the top producers of aluminium globally.
Raw Materials
• Bauxite: Major ore. India has large reserves in Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
• Electricity: Power-intensive industry; smelters are usually located near hydropower or thermal
power stations.
Distribution
• Odisha: Koraput (NALCO), Angul, Jharsuguda (Vedanta) – Odisha holds >50% of bauxite reserves.
• Chhattisgarh: Korba (BALCO)
• Jharkhand: Muri (Hindalco)
• Maharashtra: Ratnagiri
• Gujarat: Bhavnagar
• Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam
Locational Factors
• Availability of bauxite.
• Cheap electricity.
• Proximity to transport and ports.
Problems
• Power shortage.
• Environmental issues from mining.
• High cost of production.
Government Initiatives
• Policy support through Make in India.
• Disinvestment and privatization efforts (e.g., BALCO).
Value Addition/Case Study
• NALCO’s vertical integration: bauxite mining to finished aluminium.
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2. Fertilizer Industry
Introduction
• Essential for increasing agricultural productivity.
• Types: Nitrogenous, Phosphatic, Potassic, Complex.
Raw Materials
• Natural gas (for urea).
• Rock phosphate, sulphur, ammonia.
• Water, cheap power.
Distribution
• Gujarat: Kalol, Kandla (IFFCO, GSFC)
• Maharashtra: Thal, Trombay (RCF)
• Tamil Nadu: Tuticorin, Ennore
• Andhra Pradesh: Kakinada, Visakhapatnam (Coromandel)
• Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur, Gorakhpur
• Punjab/Haryana: Bathinda, Panipat
• Assam: Namrup
Locational Factors
• Availability of natural gas.
• Proximity to ports.
• Demand centres (agricultural states).
Problems
• Natural gas supply constraints.
• High subsidy burden.
• Environmental issues.
Government Initiatives
• New Urea Policy.
• Revamping closed urea plants (Gorakhpur, Sindri).
Value Addition
• India imports all potash, and a large share of phosphate – need for self-reliance.
3. Paper Industry
Introduction
• Uses: packaging, printing, hygiene.
• Based on wood pulp, bamboo, agro-residues, and recycled paper.
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Raw Materials
• Bamboo (Assam, Kerala).
• Softwood (Himalayas).
• Agro residues like bagasse, straw.
Distribution
• West Bengal: Titagarh, Naihati
• Andhra Pradesh: Rajahmundry
• Maharashtra: Ballarpur (BILT)
• Tamil Nadu: Erode (TNPL)
• Assam: Jagiroad, Jeypore
• Uttarakhand: Lalkuan
• Kerala: Kottayam
Locational Factors
• Proximity to raw material.
• Water availability.
• Demand centres.
Problems
• Environmental pollution.
• Deforestation.
• High cost of production.
Government Initiatives
• Promotion of agro-based and recycled paper.
Value Addition
• TNPL is a model for eco-friendly, bagasse-based paper production.
4. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry
Introduction
• Includes petrochemicals, agro-chemicals, dyes, paints, biotech, and drugs.
• India is a global leader in generic medicines.
Raw Materials
• Petroleum by-products.
• Salt, coal, limestone.
• Organic chemicals.
Distribution
• Gujarat: Vadodara, Dahej, Ankleshwar
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• Maharashtra: Mumbai, Thane, Pune
• Telangana: Hyderabad (Genome Valley)
• Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam
• Goa: Verna
• Tamil Nadu: Manali, Cuddalore
Locational Factors
• Ports, chemical SEZs.
• R&D hubs.
• Skilled labour.
Problems
• Pollution.
• Regulatory constraints.
• Dependency on Chinese APIs.
Government Initiatives
• Pharma PLI Scheme.
• Bulk drug parks.
Value Addition
• India is called "Pharmacy of the World".
5. Automobile Industry
Introduction
• Covers passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two/three-wheelers.
• India is one of the largest auto markets globally.
Raw Materials
• Steel, aluminium.
• Rubber, plastics.
• Electronics.
Distribution
• Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Hosur
• Maharashtra: Pune, Nashik
• Haryana: Gurgaon, Manesar
• Gujarat: Sanand, Halol
• Karnataka: Bangalore
• Andhra Pradesh: Sri City
Locational Factors
• Proximity to ports.
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• Skilled labour.
• Industrial ecosystems.
Problems
• Global supply chain disruption.
• Electric vehicle (EV) transition.
Government Initiatives
• FAME scheme for EVs.
• National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure (NATRiP).
Value Addition
• Chennai: "Detroit of Asia".
6. Cottage Industry
Introduction
• Traditional, labour-intensive, small-scale industries.
• Use local raw materials and skills.
Types and Locations
• Kashmir: Pashmina, papier mâché
• Rajasthan: Blue pottery, leather craft
• West Bengal: Terracotta (Bishnupur), jute crafts
• UP: Brassware (Moradabad), silk weaving (Varanasi)
• Gujarat: Kutch embroidery
• Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram silk
Problems
• Lack of market access.
• Competition from cheap factory goods.
Government Initiatives
• Handloom & Handicraft clusters.
• GI tagging.
Value Addition
• GI-tagged products fetch higher prices internationally.
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7. Agro-Based Industry
Introduction
• Industries using agricultural raw materials.
Types & Locations
• Cotton textiles: Maharashtra, Gujarat, TN
• Sugar: UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka
• Dairy: Gujarat (Amul), Punjab, Haryana
• Edible oils: Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP
• Tea: Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling)
• Jute: West Bengal (Hooghly belt)
• Rice milling: Punjab, Andhra Pradesh
Locational Factors
• Raw material availability.
• Climatic conditions.
• Transport access.
Problems
• Seasonal nature.
• Storage and perishability.
Government Initiatives
• Operation Greens.
• Mega Food Parks.
Value Addition
• Linking with cold chains, food processing zones.
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