Gujarat’s industrial might is rooted in a diverse portfolio of manufacturing and processing activities, giving it a unique and dynamic profile compared to other Indian states. Below are the main sub-sectors that define Gujarat’s industrial strength:
1. Chemicals & Petrochemicals
- Gujarat is a national leader, producing over 60% of India’s petrochemicals and more than 50% of its total chemicals.
- The region boasts the largest chemical clusters in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Ankleshwar, and Vapi, housing everything from specialty chemicals to dyes, pigments, pesticides, and agrochemicals.
- The world-class Jamnagar Refinery stands out as India’s—and the world’s—biggest grassroots oil refinery.
2. Pharmaceuticals
- Gujarat is celebrated as the country’s pharmaceutical capital, with Ahmedabad and Vadodara as its main hubs.
- The state is home to both global giants and numerous SMEs, manufacturing drugs and exporting nearly a third of India’s pharma output.
3. Engineering & Automobiles
- Engineering accounts for a significant share of Gujarat’s industrial output—ranging from machinery manufacturing, auto components, to metal casting.
- Rajkot leads in auto parts and diesel engine production, while cities like Sanand and Hansalpur have drawn global automakers.
- The state also plays a growing role in hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturing.
4. Textiles & Apparel
- Gujarat is known as the “Textile State of India,” contributing majorly to cotton spinning, weaving, denim manufacturing, and apparel production.
- Surat and Ahmedabad are the key textile production centers—Surat alone powers much of the state’s gems, jewellery, dyes, and synthetic fabric industries.
- Gujarat is a global leader in denim fabric and produces nearly 40% of India’s cotton.
5. Gems & Jewellery
- The city of Surat is renowned as a world hub for diamond cutting and polishing.
- The sector provides extensive employment and forms a major part of the state’s merchandise exports.
6. Oil, Gas & Energy
- Gujarat is India’s oil capital, accounting for over half of the nation’s onshore crude oil and a large portion of its natural gas and refining capacity.
- The state’s port infrastructure supports the energy value chain—from oil extraction and refining to LNG terminals and renewables.
7. Cement, Ceramics & Allied Industries
- Gujarat is a major producer of cement, soda ash, ceramic tiles, and glass.
- Industrial areas around Morbi are recognized for their large concentration of tile manufacturing units.
8. Food Processing & Dairy
- With its agricultural base, Gujarat supports large-scale food processing and dairy operations, led by industry leaders such as Amul.
9. Mining & Minerals
- The state is rich in resources like limestone, bauxite, gypsum, lignite, and quartz, forming the backbone for various mineral-based industries.
10. Other Emerging Sectors
- Biotechnology, renewable energy (solar and wind), and information technology are seeing increased investment, spurred by state policies and infrastructure.
In summary: Gujarat’s industrial sector is vast and varied, with chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering, gems and jewellery, and energy forming its foundation. The interplay of large industrial hubs, strong export orientation, and supportive policies keeps Gujarat at the forefront of India’s industrial growth.