Business and Economy in Firozabad – History and Overview
Since old times, the glass industry has been the major source of revenue in Firozabad. Agriculture and handicrafts are two other important revenue generators in this city. Service sector based industries have also come up in and around Firozabad, generating more employment opportunities for local people as well as those from other cities.
Glass Manufacturing Sector in Firozabad
This industry is an old one and has been there from the time of the Mughal Empire. In olden days, invaders brought many glass items to this city. When these were rejected and disposed of, the items were collected and melted in a locally manufactured furnace known as “Bhainsa Bhatti”. This was the beginning of the glass industry in Firozabad. The rejected items were melted to create bangles and small bottles. With time, phials for scents, cosmetic products and other items also began to be manufactured and even exported. A large number of bangles, kadas and kangans began to be made for suhagins (married women). Since 1989, various colors and shades are being used for creating chandeliers and other glass products. At present, around 400 glass industries are registered in this city.
The glass industry has also led to the growth of various skilled and semi-skilled laborers who are involved in the process of cutting, polishing, blowing and engraving items in glass.
Agricultural Sector in Firozabad
Land and other natural resources also make Firozabad a cultivable area. The place has a cultivable area of around 2874.20 sq. kms which is used for growing principal crops. Dumat, Matiyaar, Pillia and Bhur are the four main soil types. Dams, canals (152.38/420 km.), tubewells, borewells and dugwells are the major sources of irrigation. River Yamuna and its tributaries drain the entire region. As of 2004, ground water resource was 70536.72 ham. Rice, barley, wheat, maize, jowar and bajra are the main crops cultivated here.
Handicrafts Sector in Firozabad
With the locally present glass furnace, numerous handicrafts are also being made in this city. These are not restricted only to glass items but other products as well, such as statues, smoking pipes, toys, etc. Apart from glass items, Firozabad is also a big producer of lamps. Although only a few units in this city are engaged in lamp production, most of the products are exported to other countries such as France, Australia, Dubai, Spain and Kuwait.
Service Sector in Firozabad
Although Firozabad is mainly recognized as a global producer and exporter of glass products, the city has also encouraged the growth of ancillary industries. These include packaging, chemicals and other industries that are more service sector based. These have come up within a short period of time.
