The islands of Andaman have immense development potential but the
natural resources have not been tapped properly. The development has
been insignificant but the population has increased alarmingly.
Evergreen rainforests make Andaman a 'gold mine' of timber. Tropical
fruits are found on the hilly parts of the islands in abundance while
the fishery potential here, offers industrial possibilities.
Agriculture
is an important source of income for the rural people. Paddy is the
main crop here, while coconut and areca nut are the main cash crops of
the Nicobar Islands. Field crops namely pulses, oilseeds and vegetables
and spices like pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon are also cultivated.
Rubber, red oil, palm and cashew are grown on a limited scale on these
islands.
The major industries in the region include Poly Vinyl
Chloride (PVC) conduit pipes and fittings, paints and varnishes,
fiberglass, soft drinks and beverages, and steel furniture. The
industrial scenario is changing rapidly with the initiatives taken by
the government.