Employment Generation through Agro-Based Industries in Jalgaon District: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract This study looks at employment generation through agro-based industries in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, known as India’s “banana capital.” The research examines how agricultural processing industries create both direct and indirect jobs, while also identifying main challenges that limit growth. Based on government reports, industry data, and academic literature, the findings show that agro-based industries directly employ 45,000 to 50,000 workers, with indirect employment exceeding 80,000 to 110,000 roles. However, issues such as poor infrastructure, limited value addition, barriers to market access, and gaps in policy implementation hold back the sector's full potential. The paper suggests strategic actions such as developing infrastructure, adopting technology, providing skills training, and improving market linkages. By making targeted improvements, Jalgaon's agro-industrial sector could serve as a model for sustainable job creation in agricultural areas, showing how rural regions can provide non-farm livelihoods while keeping their agricultural roots.