Industry in Assam

Assam is a house of natural and precious mineral resources. During the pre- independence period, the chapter of industrial history of Assam began and Assam finds its place in the industrially developed map of the world. The crude oil was explored and India's first oil well was drilled, established first oil refinery (first in Asia and third in the world) and explored first coal field. Introduction of tea cultivation during the period, begging of global export of finished tea as well of the bought the economic boom to Assam. The continuous process of economic and industrial development of the State was almost stopped after independence and at present Assam is amongst the industrially under - developed States in the country. Therefore, industrial scenario of the State is confined within the growth of employment oriented SSI Sector, which comprises of manufacturing and processing industries, Assam is still making efforts for gearing up industrial activities by harnessing the un-tapped resources available in the State through various growth-including factors as well as by removing the infrastructure inadequacies, in the power, communications and transport sector.

The Industries and Commerce Department of the State as well as some other agencies like Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) are closely associated with implementation of various promotional schemes meant for sustainable industrial development of the State. Despite slow growth due to various constraints a favourable industrial climate is gradually being created in the State as discernible from the increasing interest shown by investors both from within the State as well as from outside. However, the contribution of the Manufacturing Sector to the total economy maintains its downward trend and pegged at 7.4 per cent at constant (2004-05 prices) in 2009-10 (Quick Estimates). The Index of Industrial Production in the State also pegged at 155.83 in 2009-10 (Base 1999-2000) as against 151.40 (Revised) in 2008-09.

Industrial Production of Some Selected Industrials in Assam:

Although the manufacturing and processing industries have dominated the Industry Sector of the State, the contribution of these industries to the State’s economy was not as much impressive as was expected. The estimated contribution of registered Manufacturing sector to the total economy was 4.8 per cent accounted for @ 23 per cent share of the total Industry Sector contribution to the GSDP at constant 2004-05 prices during 2009-10 (Quick Estimates). The Index of Industrial Production for the Manufacturing Sector, however, recorded positive trend during 2009-10 [186.71] against 175.25 in 2008-09 (Base 1999-2000=100).

Production of Some Selected Industries in Assam:

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11