West Bengal is a predominantly agrarian state with agriculture contributing 18.8% to the state’s GSDP in 2014-15.

It is one of the major producers of food in India having a strong agri -horticultural resource base for a thriving food processing industry. The state is abundant in perennial rivers and large water bodies and coastal areas which is suitable for pisciculture and marine fish production

The key production statistics for the state (the year 2015-16) are presented below:

Paddy, Wheat, and jute are the major crops produced in West Bengal. The state is a major producer of fruits (such as Mango, Pineapple, Litchi, Mandarin Orange, and Guava) and vegetables (such as Tomato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brinjal, Cucurbits, and Okra). Major spices produced are Ginger, Chilli, Turmeric, Garlic, and Coriander. The state also has a large and vibrant livestock population significantly contributing towards the production of Milk, Eggs, Fish, and Meat

Production Cluster of the State: -

As per the Annual Survey of Industries- 2014-15, there are 1,808 registered food processing units in the state. Krishak Bazars are being set up in each of the 341 blocks.

Agricultural markets in West Bengal:

• 720 Primary Wholesale Markets
• 56 Rural Markets
• 62 Farmer Producer Organizations
• 6 Terminal Markets
• 186 Krishak Bazars
• 420 Secondary Wholesale Markets

Some of the major processing clusters in the state include:

• Darjeeling tea has a geographical indication (GI) status that is recognized globally. It is regarded by connoisseurs as the Champagne of Teas
• Tata Global Beverages, formerly known as Tata Tea, is the largest brand of tea in India. It acquired the Earth Rules, an Australian company under the MAP brand, in 2014. Tata Global Beverages is the second-largest tea player across the globe. The company has six major brands in the Indian market: Tata Tea, Tetley, Kannan Devan, Chakra Gold, Agni, and Gemini. It has its headquarters and tea estates in West Bengal
• West Bengal is a key producer of petroleum and petrochemicals
• As of February 2020, West Bengal had 5 operational IT/ITeS SEZs. A number of towns such as Durgapur, Siliguri, and Haldia are also emerging as suitable IT destinations with appropriate infrastructure in the form of software technology parks (STP)
• The state has a long coastline (over 150 km) & innumerable water bodies, reflecting the huge potential for inland fishing and fish cultivation
• West Bengal’s diversity in flora and fauna makes it an attractive destination for tourism