Cotton-Tobacco-Chilli city
Guntur city and its region are a major commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh. Cotton, tobacco and chilli are some of the major commodities that are exported from here to different parts of the world. The city hosts the largest Asian market for red chillies. The Tobacco Board, India, a part of the Government of India, is headquartered in Guntur. The chillies that are grown in this region are some of the spiciest in the world, and are in constant competition with chillies from Mexico for first place. One of the first of its kind, a global 'Spice Park' is currently being setup in the area. The cotton that grows in the region is used in making some of the finest sarees in India.
Industrialisation
The industrial development in the Guntur Region is of medium scale. On a positive note, the region has minimal industrial and related pollution as compared to major cities in the country. It has a large skilled and educated workforce. Some of the industries in the area are: textile mills/handloom, silk, Sangam Dairy, Cement, Chemical and Biotechnology, Andhra Fertilizers, jute mills, granite industries, diamond and other ore processing (Hindustan Zinc Limited), Auto-Nagar and software/IT Companies. A Textile Hub is being developed on the southwestern side of the city, and the government is also encouraging the setting up of new industries. Another ongoing project is a 850 crore IT park in Guntur outskirts. Possible future plans include a large scale Biotechnology Park, as well as a Knowledge Park.
Farming and Vegetation
Farm lands
The Guntur region is one of the delta areas in Andhra Pradesh. With the River Krishna flowing to the north of the district, the area has many
