Delhi has a rich heritage of skilled craftsmen. Delhi in olden times gained its importance in arts, crafts and industries like Jewellery, embroidery, silver vases and bowls and tea sets, ornamental jewel boxes made of brass, silk and silk embroidery, ivory carvings, handloom, textiles, copper and brass utensils. In the later half of the 19th century three iron foundries and engineering works were established in Delhi. Delhi's textile industries foundation were laid by the installation of two cotton weaving and spinning mills. First ice factory was set up in 1907 and the first flour mill in 1917, first match factory in 1931, first oil mill in 1932 and the first acid factory in 1934. During the period of 1981-82 to 1989-90 there was an increase of about 62 % in the number of industrial units.
Economy of Delhi has shown tremendous growth over the past few years. Delhi has a strong and vibrant economy which is quite vivid from its Gross Domestic Product. According to economic survey of Delhi- 2000-2001, Delhi's GDP was 478 billion INR and per capita income of 38,860 INR. The annual economic growth rate of Delhi was 9.9%. Taking out some excerpts from the economic survey of Delhi, the tertiary sector contributed to 78.4% of Delhi's GDP with secondary and primary sectors contributing 20.2% and 1.4% respectively.
Well, the tertiary sector we are talking about basically comprises of service sectors like trade, real estate, hotels, restaurants, financing, banking, insurance, business services and other service centered industries. The contribution from this particular industry increased from 70.47% in 1993-94 to 78.39% for the year 2000-2001. Thanks to the flexible and investor friendly policies of the government.
If we look at the reason behind Delhi's growth, we find that it is attributed to a number of reasons. However, pointing a few out, we can say that Delhi has always been the market place of Northern India and has various industries like textile, handloom, arts and crafts. Delhi also happens to be an important trade route between Punjab and Gangetic plains, which makes it an important trade center and manufacturing hub.
Growth in Delhi's economy can also be attributed to the fact that several new industries have evolved over the years and contributing to Delhi's industrial growth. These industries include jewellery, export, embroidery, silver vases, textile, fashion, corporate industries, BPO, IT, ITES and many others. The city's economy is primarily dependent on these industries and the service industry of the city adds to the overall GDP growth.
Delhi is not rich in agriculture except for the fact that there are some agricultural lands in the outskirts of Delhi. The major crops grown in the capital include wheat, gram, Bajra and Jowar. Animal husbandry is another profitable industry in Delhi with optimum and surplus dairy production to meet the consumption within the city as well as outside Delhi.
Delhi is not rich in raw materials and has limited mineral resources. However, deposits of building & road making materials and China clay are found in some parts of the city. The building and road making material comprises sand, stone and bajri. The quartzite rock available on the ridge is very useful for the manufacturing of stone wares and buildings. Kaolim is used as a principal raw material for refactory industries and fire clay for brick manufacture and china ware.
Industrial policy of the government is aimed at promotion of industries so that they achieve optimum level of production with minimum power, less space and also achieve maximum employment of skilled and unskilled labour.
As minerals, Delhi has some building and road making materials and some China clay deposits. The building and road making material comprises sand, stone and bajri. The quartzite rock available on the ridge is very useful for the manufacture of stone wares and buildings. Kaolim is used as a principal raw material for refactory industries and fire clay for brick manufacture and china ware.
From the point of view of transport, Delhi constitute a centre of both national as well as international importance. Delhi is having important road links with different parts of the country from its olden days. The Grand Trunk road, which is a national highway of great importance, passes through Delhi.
Delhi was opened to railway traffic on January 1, 1867. The Delhi Ambala-Kalka railway was opened on March 1, 1891. Today, Delhi is well connected by rail to different parts of the country through its 3 main railway stations. i.e., New Delhi, Delhi Junction and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Delhi is well connected by Air Service to different parts of the country and the world. The Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal I used for domestic flight, where as Terminal II serves as an important International airport, linking the different parts of the world. Large number of International air companies and Air India use this airport.
Most important goods manufactured and exported in Delhi are readymade garments and imported things are electronic components. The important trading centres in Delhi are fruit and vegetable market, food grain market, fodder market, cloth market, bicycle market, dry fruit market and hosiery and general market.
Important crops grown in the union territory are wheat, gram, Bajra and Jowar. The important sources of irrigation are Tube wells, wells and canals.
Buffaloes are the main source of milk. Pigs and goats are a main source of meat. Others are horses, ponies, and camels and poultry comprising of fowls and ducks.
