Economy
Saharanpur is a burgeoning commercial hub and a leading regional centre for wholesale and retail trade, agro based industries and industrial products. Saharanpur is well known for its agricultural produce such as sugar,mangoes and rice.
Mineral Resources
The region is very poor in mineral resources. Limestone stone boulders are the only main minerals. Limestone is found in the Shivalik hills. Stone, hard enough to be used for building purposes is scarce and is found in Shivaliks while stone for road metal is found in the beds of Solani, Hindon and Sukhrao streams. Excellent lime is also procured from the boulders covering the beds of the hilly torrents. The saline efflorescence which is known by the name of Rah is found in the low lying tracts and in the canal irrigated areas.
The physical features and the climatic conditions of this district have played an important role in shaping the history of Saharanpur district and making it an important part from the rest of the country.
Landuse
Saharanpur is primarily and agricultural district. Roughly 70% of the land is under agricultural use still the region is of little importance from the point of view of pastures. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the district. One significant feature is that even though the agricultural land for food crops has reduced in recent years the food production has increased considerably. The significance of commercial crops have increased manifold as a consequence of sugarcane production. The important food crops of the region are Wheat, Rice, Maize, Jawar, Bajara, sugarcane; oilseeds, cotton and jute are the main commercial crops.
Industries
Many agro based industries have been developing across the Saharanpur district off late. One can also find number of cottage industries here. Saharanpur does not have enough mineral resources unlike other districts in Uttar Pradesh. However it has industrially backed itself with number of sugar and paper industries, cigarette industry and not to forget the ever famous wood carving industry. Wood work of Saharanpur district is world famous and is exported in many Western countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Sweden, and Kuwait.
- I.T.C. Saharanpur
- Wood Carving
- Star Paper Mill
- Sugar Industries
- Sand Mining and Stone crashing
Transportation
The development of transport system depends on the physical features and economic utility of the region. Transport system in the Bhabar region has not developed much due to Monuntaineous Rivers and uneven topography. In the Bangar region the roads and railway lines are developed due to favorable conditions like fertile land, high density of population and topography.
Trade
From the view point of industries and trade the region has great importance. The region produces agro-based and industrial goods which are sent to the various parts of the country. The trade flourishes and can be divided into three categories:
- Food – Grains, Vegetables and Fruits. Milk and milk products.
- Agro Based Industries – The most important industries are Sugar, Gur, (Cotton) Textile and Cigarettes.
- Industrial Goods- Paper, Sugarcane, Hosiery Material & Wood Carving.
Besides exporting goods from here the region also imports Coal, Iron–ore, Cement, Salt, Petroleum Products, Fertilizers, Oil-Seeds and Leather from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Bihar.
There are few malls located in the city such as GNG Mall, The GNG mall has a good multiplex theater.