Economy

Economy

AGRICULTURE

ECONOMY (2025-26 FAE)

Agriculture and allied are the main stray of nearly 70% of the households. Though the District is mainly depending on Agriculture and Horticulture. Rice is a staple food of the people and Paddy is therefore the principal food crop of the district followed by Ragi, Maize, Bajra, Korra, Niger Seed, Rajma Beans, Redgram, Chillies, Turmeric, Ginger and Jowar. Since there is no Major Irrigation system, only about 40% of the cropped area is irrigated under Minor Irrigation Systems like check dams which are feeded by Kond Jorus. The rest of the cultivated area is covered under dry crops.

MINERALS

The District has mineral deposits of Bauxite Apatite (Rock Phosphate) Calcite, Crystalline limestone confined to tribal tracts. Bauxite deposits at Sapparla, Jerrila and Gudem of G.K.Veedhi Mandal are considered to be the largest in the country. Bauxite deposits are also identified at Galikonda, Katuki, Chittemgondi of Araku group deposits, Katamrajukonda of Gurthedu sub-group of deposits.

Phosphate Apatite is available in Kasipatnam village of Ananthagiri mandal. Rich deposits of Crystalline limestone and Calcite are mapped in Borra Caves and along the Valley up to Araku from Borra and around Valasi village of Ananthagiri mandal. Ruby Mica is another mineral available in the District essential for electrical and electronic industries. The mineral occurs in the form of Phologopite and is confined to Borra tract.

Quartz is another mineral found mostly in Ananthagiri mandal. Vermiculate found near Kasipatnam of Ananthagiri mandal. Clay deposits near Malivalasa of Araku mandal are identified. Limeshell useful for manufacture of chemical grade lime is also available in the district. Red and Yellow ochre deposits are also identified in Araku, Ananthagiri, Yatapaka and Rampachodavaram mandals.

POWER

 Power consumption by industries is 5.42 lakh Million units. All 2854 villages in the District (including hamlets) have been electrified including solar power system during 2019-20.

BANKING

There are 29 Bank Branches including Cooperative Banks in the district to look after the credit needs of the people.

EDUCATIONAL AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

• There are 2050 Schools with an enrolment of 123107, 21 Junior Colleges, 5 Degree Colleges and 4 Professional Institutions(3 ITIs & 1 Polytechnic) with 10415 students during 2025-26.

• Regarding Medical facilities, there are 44 Government Hospitals and dispensaries for

Allopathic with 1005 bed-strength and 121 Doctors and 9 Hospitals and dispensaries for Indian Medicine (Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Unani) with 8 Doctors during 2025-26.

Transport & Communications

The district has 226.6 KMs of National Highway, 256.52 KMs of State Highways and 235.69 KMs of Major District Roads.