Jharkhand

Jharkhand is a newly formed state that was carved out of the state of Bihar. It came into being in November 2000. Since then, it is making rapid strides in terms of economic progress. In 2004, Jharkhand's GDP was estimated at $14billion. The population of Jharkhand is about 26.90 million and the sex ratio is 941 females to 1000 males. The tribal population accounts for about 28 percent of the state. 40 percent of the country's mineral reserves are from Jharkhand. It is the only Indian state to produce uranium, cooking coal and pyrite, and the state heads the production of coal, copper, kyanite and mica in India.
The chief mineral resources of the state include iron ore, coal, mica, limestone, manganese, mica, copper ore among others. They form the pivot of the business and economy of Jharkhand.
As Jharkhand is a mineral rich state, it is teeming with industries which range from coal mines to the most important private sector owned steel plant in the country. Besides the Tata Steel plant, Jharkhand also has the largest steel plant in Asia, known as the Bokaro Steel Plant.
Mineral based manufacturing industry is the mainstay of Jharkhand's economy. Besides that, agriculture also plays an important role in the business and economy of Jharkhand. In fact, despite being mineral-rich, 80 percent of Jharkhand's population resides in villages and they depend primarily on agriculture and other associated activities for their livelihood. The principal foodgrains of Jharkhand are wheat, paddy, maize and pulses.
Varied agricultural economy also supports a host of agro-based industries in the state that includes food processing. Just within a period of three years, the state has graduated from a vegetable procuring state to a 100,000 tonnes vegetable surplus state. The soil as well as the climatic conditions of the state is favourable for the growth of mushroom, tea, ornamental plants and spices.
Favourable agro-climatic conditions also facilitate the year-round production