India’s diverse physiographic regions—Shield, Rift Valley, and areas influenced by Marine Transgression—are endowed with significant mineral resources, making the country a key player in global mineral production. This detailed analysis explores the distribution, characteristics, and global context of India’s metallic, non-metallic, and energy minerals, highlighting their uneven distribution, exhaustibility, and economic significance. The data is updated with the latest available insights and presented in a structured, comprehensive manner.

Shield Regions: Ancient Cratons Rich in Metallic Minerals

Shield regions, such as the Chotanagpur Plateau and Dharwad Region, are ancient geological formations known for their rich metallic mineral deposits. These regions, part of the Indian Peninsular Shield, are critical to India’s mining industry.

Chotanagpur Plateau

Location: Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Chhattisgarh.

Key Minerals:

• Mica: India is a leading global producer, with 75% of national reserves in this region.
• Bauxite: Significant for aluminium production.
• Copper: Found in Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
• Iron Ore: Around 90% of the nation’s iron reserves consist of iron ore.
• Coal: The Damodar Valley is the prime source of coking coal, vital for steel production.
• Other Minerals: Limestone, manganese, and chromium.

Significance: Known as the “storehouse of minerals” in India, this region supports major industries like steel and cement.

Dharwad Region

Location: Found in Karnataka, as well as some regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Key Minerals:

• Bauxite: High-grade siliceous bauxite deposits near Alwal villages (Dharwad taluk).
• Kaolin: Used in ceramics and paper industries.
• Red Ochre: Utilized in paints and pigments.

Significance: The region’s Precambrian rocks host high-quality mineral deposits, contributing to Karnataka’s mining economy.

Rift Valley Regions: Gondwana Coal Reserves

Rift valleys, formed during the Gondwana period (late Carboniferous to middle Jurassic), are critical for coal reserves in India. These continental rift-basin deposits, with minor marine inputs, are concentrated in three major river valley basins.

Damodar Valley

• Location: Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Key Resource: Coal (coking and non-coking), with 97% of India’s coal reserves concentrated in this and other Gondwana valleys.
• Significance: A key hub for coking coal, which is vital for steel manufacturing.

Son-Mahanadi Valley

• Location: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
• Key Resource: Economically exploitable coal seams, supporting thermal power and industrial activities.

Pranhita-Godavari Valley

• Location: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Key Resource: High-quality coal deposits, crucial for energy production.
• Geological Context: The Gondwana Supergroup, excluding the Barren Measures, provides conditions favorable for economically viable coal mining.

Marine Transgression: Petroleum and Sedimentary Deposits

Marine transgression events, where sea levels rise and flood land, have created sedimentary basins rich in petroleum and other resources. These are primarily located along India’s western and eastern coasts.

Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch:

• Location: Gujarat.
• Key Resource: Petroleum reserves in offshore and onshore sedimentary basins.
• Geological Process: Caused by either land subsidence or ocean basin infilling, leading to the deposition of hydrocarbon-rich sediments.

Other Key Petroleum Basins:

• Assam: Major onshore petroleum reserves.
• Mumbai High, located in the Arabian Sea, is one of India’s major offshore oil fields.
• Krishna-Godavari Basin: Emerging as a significant petroleum reserve.
• Kaveri Basin: New discoveries boosting India’s hydrocarbon potential.
• Significance: India’s petroleum reserves are critical for energy security, with Mumbai High being the largest offshore oilfield.

Mineral Distribution in India:

In India, mineral resources are distributed unevenly and not found uniformly throughout the country. For instance:

• Coal: Over 97% of reserves are in the Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi, and Godavari valleys.
• Petroleum: Concentrated in Assam, Gujarat, and Mumbai High, with new finds in Krishna-Godavari and Kaveri basins.

• Exhaustibility: All minerals are non-renewable and take millions of years to form, making sustainable extraction critical.
• Challenge: Rapid depletion due to industrial demand outpaces natural replenishment, necessitating conservation strategies.

Mineral-Rich Regions in India: A Geographical Breakdown

India’s mineral wealth is distributed across distinct geographical belts, each with unique geological characteristics.

Northern Belt

• Key Regions: Chotanagpur Plateau, Assam.
• Minerals:

• Kyanite: 100% of India’s reserves.
• Iron Ore: 90% of national reserves.
• Chromium: 90% of reserves.
• Mica: 75% of reserves.
• Coal: 70% of reserves.
• Other resources include manganese, copper, limestone, petroleum from Assam, and lignite coal.

 Central Belt:

• Key Regions: Chhattisgarh, Godavari-Wardha Valley.
• Minerals:

• Iron Ore: Extension of Chotanagpur reserves.
• Limestone: Significant deposits in Chhattisgarh.
• Coal: Major coalfields in Godavari-Wardha Valley.

South-East Region:

• Key Regions: Other resources include manganese, copper, limestone, petroleum from Assam, and lignite coal.
• Minerals:

• Iron Ore: Bellary-Hospet region (Karnataka).
• Mica and Manganese: Nellore (Andhra Pradesh).
• Bauxite: Telangana.
• Lignite Coal: Neyveli (Tamil Nadu).

South-West Region:

• Key Regions: Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra.
• Minerals:

• Iron Ore: Dharwad, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Chikmagalur (Karnataka), and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra).
• Manganese and Limestone: Karnataka.
• Iron Ore: Goa, a major exporter.

North-West Region:

• Key Regions: Gujarat, Rajasthan.
• Minerals:

• Petroleum: Gujarat’s sedimentary basins.
• Salt: Gulf of Kutch and Pyala Lake (Rajasthan).
• Gypsum and Borax: Lake Sambhar, Lake Didwana (Rajasthan).

Major Minerals and Their Global Distribution

Iron Ore:

• Types and Characteristics:

• Magnetite (Fe3O4): 70% iron content, black, magnetic properties. Russia is the largest producer.
• Hematite (Fe2O3): 60-70% iron, reddish. India is the 2nd largest producer after Russia.
• Limonite: 40-60% iron, yellowish.
• Siderite: Less than 40% iron, often uneconomical due to impurities.

• Global Distribution:
  • Africa: Liberia, South Africa, Algeria.

• China: Shenyang (Manchuria), Wuhan, Tai-ye, Hainan Island.
• Australia: Western Australia, a major exporter.
• South America: Brazil, largest reserves.
• North America: USA, Canada (Great Lakes region).
• Russia: Kerch Peninsula, Kursk, Ural Mountains.
• Europe: Sweden, France (Rhine Valley, Lorraine, Normandy, Pyrenees).

• Indian Distribution:

• Jharkhand: Hazaribagh, Singhbhum (Noamundi, Kariburi, Mahaburi, Gua), Daltongunj.
• Odisha: Bonai, Sukinda, Badampahar, Gorumahisani.
• Karnataka: Shimoga, Chitradurga, Chikmagalur, Tumkur, Kemmangundi, Kudremukh.
• In Chhattisgarh, iron ore from Dalli Rajhara feeds the Bhilai Steel Plant, while the Bailadila mines provide ore for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
• Maharashtra: Ratnagiri.
• Andhra Pradesh: Kurnool, Anantapur.

Manganese:

• Properties: Hard, brittle metal used in steel production to enhance strength.
• Global Distribution:

• South Africa, Ukraine, Australia: Largest reserves.
• Others: China, Ghana, Gabon, Morocco.

• Indian Distribution:

• Odisha: 44% of reserves, Sukinda Valley.
• Karnataka: 22%, Shimoga.
• Madhya Pradesh: 13%, Balaghat.
• Maharashtra: 8%, Ratnagiri.
• Jharkhand: Chaibasa (largest mine).
• Others: Andhra Pradesh (4%), Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal (3% each).

Copper:

• Properties: Non-ferrous, high-demand metal in electrical and industrial applications.
• Global Distribution:

• Chile, Peru: Over one-third of global reserves.
• North America: Western Cordilleras (Mexico, USA, Canada).
• Europe: Russia, Poland, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan.

• Indian Distribution:

• Jharkhand: Raka, Mosabani mines.
• Andhra Pradesh: Kurnool, Guntur, Nellore.
• Himachal Pradesh: Kangra, Kullu valleys.
• West Bengal: Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling.

Bauxite:

• Properties: Primary ore for aluminium, mined via open-cast methods.
• Global Distribution:

• Australia, Guinea, Jamaica, Brazil: Major reserves.
• USA: Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia.
• Russia: Ural Mountains.

• Indian Distribution:

• Jharkhand: Garhjat Hills.
• Odisha: Panchampatmali, Niyamgiri, Gandhmardhan Hills.
• Madhya Pradesh: Balaghat, Amarkantak.
• Maharashtra: Ratnagiri.
• Gujarat: Khed, Amreli.

Mica:

• Properties: Non-metallic, silicate-based mineral with elasticity, toughness, and insulation properties, used in electronics.
• Global Distribution:

• India: World leader in sheet mica production.
• Others: USA, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, Tanzania.

• Indian Distribution:

• Odisha: Kodarma (largest reserve globally).
• Andhra Pradesh: Nellore.
• Bihar: Munger.
• Karnataka: Alleppey.

Limestone:

• Properties: Sedimentary rock used in cement (75%), steel (16%), and chemical industries (4%).
• Indian Distribution:

• Madhya Pradesh: 16% of national production, Jabalpur, Satna, Betul.
• Others: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu (collectively 75% of production).

Gypsum

• Properties: Hydrated calcium sulphate used in cement, fertilizers, and plaster of Paris.
• Indian Distribution:

• Rajasthan: 99% of production, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Churu, Pali, Ganganagar.
• Others: Tamil Nadu (Tiruchirapalli), Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh.

Chromite

• Properties: Oxide of iron and chromium, used in chrome plating and stainless steel.
• Indian Distribution:

• Odisha: 93% of reserves, Sukinda Valley (Cuttack, Jajpur), 99% of production.
• Others: Minor deposits in Manipur, Nagaland, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.

Lead and Zinc:

• Properties: Found in galena and sulphide ores, used in batteries and alloys.
• Global Distribution: USA, Russia, Australia, Canada, Peru, Spain, Mexico.
• Indian Distribution:

• Rajasthan: 61% of reserves, primary producer.
• Other contributors include Andhra Pradesh (3.31%), Madhya Pradesh (2.16%), Bihar (1.67%), and Maharashtra (1.35%).

Gold:

• Properties: Precious metal used in ornamentation, electronics, and as an international currency.
• Global Distribution: South Africa, Canada, USA, Zimbabwe, Ghana.
• Indian Distribution: Kolar, Hutti, Ramgiri Gold Fields (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh).

Diamonds:

• Properties: Hardest natural substance, used in jewelry, cutting tools, and drilling.
• Global Distribution: South Africa, Canada, Australia, Russia.
• Indian Distribution: Vindhyan System (Panna, Golconda diamonds).

Agricultural Products in India and Their Global Distribution:

India, often referred to as the “Land of Agriculture,” is a global powerhouse in agricultural production, leveraging its diverse climate, fertile soils, and vast arable land. In 2022, agriculture accounted for about 16% of India’s GDP and provided employment to nearly 43% of the workforce. This detailed analysis explores India’s major agricultural products, their production, top producing states and countries, and their role in global markets, updated with the latest available data as of 2025.

India’s Agricultural Sector:

• Global Standing: India is the world’s second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, wheat, rice, and cotton, and the largest producer of milk, pulses, spices, and jute. It ranks among the top five producers for over 80% of agricultural produce items.
• Production Volume: In FY24, India produced 332 million metric tonnes (MT) of food grains, with the First Advance Estimate for FY25 projecting 1647.05 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) for Kharif foodgrain production, an increase of 89.37 LMT from the previous year.
• Economic Impact: In 2024, India’s agriculture sector was estimated at INR 99,689 billion. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.08%, reaching INR 236,603.2 billion by 2033.
• Export Growth: India’s agricultural exports reached US$ 36.95 billion in FY25 (April–December), with major commodities including rice, marine products, spices, and sugar.

Major Agricultural Products in India: Production and Top Producers

India’s agricultural output spans food grains, horticultural crops, cash crops, livestock products, and aquaculture, with significant contributions from specific states and countries globally.

Food Grains:

Rice:

Production: India is the second-largest producer globally, contributing 21.15% of world production (FY19). Rice production was 496 LMT in FY24 and is expected to increase to around 521.27 LMT in FY25.

Top 3 Rice Producing States:

• West Bengal: Highest production volume.
• Uttar Pradesh: Significant contributor to paddy rice.
• Punjab: High yields due to irrigation infrastructure.

Top 3  Rice Producing Countries:

• China: Largest producer globally.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• Indonesia: Major rice producer in Southeast Asia.

• Significance: Between April and November FY25, Basmati rice exports touched about US$ 7.31 billion, while non-Basmati varieties generate nearly US$ 6 billion each year.

Wheat:

Production: India is the second-largest producer globally, with 11.74% of world production.

Top 3 Wheat Producing States:

• Uttar Pradesh: Largest wheat producer.
• Punjab: High yields due to fertile soils.
• Haryana: Significant contributor with advanced farming techniques.

Top 3 Wheat Producing Countries:

• China: Leading global producer.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• Russia: Major wheat exporter.

• Significance: In 2014–15, the central pool procured about 28 million tonnes of wheat, and exports reached nearly 29 million tonnes.

Pulses:

India contributes about a quarter of the world’s output and accounts for roughly 27% of global consumption.

Top 3 Pulses Producing States:

• Madhya Pradesh: Leading in pulses production.
• Rajasthan: Major producer of chickpeas.
• Maharashtra: Significant for lentils and pigeon peas.

Top 3 Pulses Producing Countries:

• India: Largest producer globally.
• Canada: Major exporter of lentils.
• Australia: Significant pulses producer.

Significance: Pulses are critical for protein in vegetarian diets, with chickpeas and lentils being major varieties.

Horticultural Crops:

Fruits and Vegetables:

India is the world’s second-largest producer, accounting for nearly 11% of global fruit output and around 9% of vegetable production.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Uttar Pradesh: UP stands out for its high production of vegetables, especially potatoes and tomatoes.
• Andhra Pradesh: Major producer of mangoes and bananas.
• Maharashtra: Significant for fruits like grapes and oranges.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• China: Largest producer of fruits and vegetables.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• USA: Major producer of high-value crops.

Significance: The per capita supply of vegetables rose from 388.7 grams per day in FY18 to 400 grams per day in FY21.

Key Crops:

• Mangoes, Bananas: India is the largest producer globally.
• Onions, Tomatoes, Potatoes: Significant domestic and export markets.

Cash Crops

Sugarcane:

India holds the second position worldwide in production, accounting for nearly 19.2% of global output.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Uttar Pradesh: Largest sugarcane producer.
• Maharashtra: Significant for sugar production.
• Karnataka: Major contributor in South India.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• Brazil: Largest producer globally.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• Thailand: Major sugarcane exporter.

Significance: Sugar exports reached US$ 5.7 billion annually, with markets in Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Cotton:

Production: India is the second-largest producer and exporter globally, with 25% of world cotton production.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Gujarat: Leading cotton producer.
• Maharashtra: Major contributor to textile industry.
• Telangana: Significant for cotton exports.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• China: Largest producer globally.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• USA: Major cotton exporter.

Significance: Major export to textile markets worldwide.

Spices:

Production: India is the largest producer and exporter, contributing 75% of global spice trade.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Andhra Pradesh: Leading in chili production.
• Kerala: Major producer of black pepper and cardamom.
• Tamil Nadu: Significant for turmeric and coriander.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• India: Largest producer globally.
• Indonesia: Major producer of nutmeg and cloves.
• Vietnam: Significant for black pepper.

Significance: Exports valued at US$ 3.8 billion annually, with markets in the USA, Germany, and Japan.

Tea:

Production: In FY24, India led global production with 1,382.03 million kilograms.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Assam: Leading tea producer.
• West Bengal: Known for Darjeeling tea.
• Tamil Nadu: Significant for Nilgiri tea.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• India: Largest producer globally.
• China: Major producer of green tea.
• Kenya: Leading tea exporter.

• Significance: Major export to Iran and Russia.

Coffee:

Production: 352 million tonnes in FY24, with high-quality varieties from Coorg and Chikmagalur.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Karnataka: Leading coffee producer.
• Kerala: Significant for Robusta coffee.
• Tamil Nadu: Contributes to specialty coffee.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• Brazil: Largest producer globally.
• Vietnam: Major producer of Robusta coffee.
• Colombia: Known for high-quality Arabica.

Significance: Exports valued at US$ 720 million, with unique monsooned coffee popular in Italy, Germany, and Belgium.

Jute:

Production: India is the largest producer globally.

Top 3 Producing States:

• West Bengal: Leading jute producer.
• Bihar: Significant contributor.
• Assam: Major jute-producing state.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• India: Largest producer globally.
• Bangladesh: Major jute exporter.
• China: Minor producer of jute.

Significance: Used in textiles and packaging, with growing export demand.

Livestock and Dairy

Milk:

Production: India is the largest producer globally, with 165 MT in FY18 and 21.32% of world production.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Uttar Pradesh: Leading milk producer.
• Rajasthan: Significant for dairy production.
• Gujarat: Home to major dairy cooperatives.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• India: Largest producer globally.
• USA: Major dairy producer.
• China: Significant milk producer.

Significance: The white revolution has made India self-sufficient in dairy, with exports to neighboring countries.

Poultry and Meat:

Production: India is a leading beef and veal exporter, with buffalo meat (carabeef) being a major export. More than half of the total meat market comes from poultry.More than half of the total meat market comes from poultry.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Uttar Pradesh: Leading in poultry and meat.
• Andhra Pradesh: Significant for poultry production.
• Tamil Nadu: Major contributor to meat exports.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• USA: Largest poultry producer.
• Brazil: Major beef exporter.
• India: Leading buffalo meat exporter.

Significance: Exports of 600,000 MT of fish and meat products to nearly half the world’s countries.

Aquaculture:

• Fish and Marine Products:

Production: India is the second-largest producer of farmed fish globally, with significant fish production in FY23.

Top 3 Producing States:

• Andhra Pradesh: Leading in inland and coastal fisheries.
• West Bengal: Major producer of freshwater fish.
• Tamil Nadu: Significant for marine fisheries.

Top 3 Producing Countries:

• China: Largest producer of farmed fish.
• India: Second-largest producer.
• Vietnam: Major aquaculture exporter.

Significance: Marine exports (shrimp, fish, crab) valued at US$ 8 billion annually, with the USA and China as top importers.