Economy

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Agri culture is the major occupation in West Jaintia Hills District, in which about 70% of the population depends primarily on agriculture for their livelihood. Rice and maize are the major food crops grown throughout the district with appreciable improvement in yield. Wheat has been introduced recently and the result is quite encouraging. Potato, gi nger, garlic and turmeric are some of the important cash crops of the district. The district is the native of the world famous turmeric Lakadong variety.

On southern slopes, ill wanner areas, particularly in Dawki-Syndai area, plenty of arecanut and betel vines cultivation can be seen.Special emphas is is presently laid on the non traditional crops like Oilseeds (Sesamum,Rapeseeds,Mustard seeds, Soyabean),Medicinal plants, orchids and commercial flowers.

The district has a vast potential for developing horticulture due to Agro Climatic conditions, which offer much scope for cultivation of temperate, sub tropical and tropical fruits and vegetables.

Orange (khasi Mandarin), pine apple,banana, lemon, jackfruit and temperate fruits such as plums, pears and peaches are some of the important horticultural crops grown in the district. Apart from tile above crops, tile district has achieved good yield in the production of tomato, cabbage and cauliflower. Sericulture or silkworm rearing important occupation of the people, those living near forests.