SOUTH ASIA

TodayChapter 25

SECTION 1-THE ECONOMY:ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Agriculture

Mining and Fishing

Industry

Tourism

AGRICULTURE

Traditional Methods:Subsistence farming is commonTerracingDigging sticks and hand plowsHand-carried water from wells or riversAnimal Power is used – yaks, camels, oxen, elephants

AGRICULTURE

Conditions: Wide variety of farm types

Highland Terracing

Orchards

Rice Paddies

Huge Plantations

Modern Mechanized Farms

AGRICULTURE

Crops:TeaRubberCoconutsCoffeeTobaccoBananasCottonJuteRice

AGRICULTURE

Improvements:•The high population in South Asia is a challenge, requiring farming methods that produce higher crop yields.•The “Green Revolution” involves using modern techniques (managed irrigation, fertilizers, high-yield varieties of crops) to increase food production.•Opponents point out the pollution caused by using more chemical pesticides and fertilizers, posing health hazards.

MINING AND FISHING

Mining: (see map on p. 630)BauxiteChromiteCoalCopperIron OreManganesePetroleumNatural Gas

MINING AND FISHING

Fishing:Rich fishing resources provide a living for many people in South AsiaShrimpLobsterFresh and Dried Fish

INDUSTRYIndia’s Evolving Economy:•After WWII, India pursued an economic policy of “Self-Sufficiency”.•By the 1960, their economy slowed and they decided it was time to become part of the Global Economy.•The government allowed foreign investment in the 1990s, deregulated many industries, and allowed more private ownership of businesses.•The middle class expanded due to the economic growth.•It has also led to growing inequality between the lower and upper classes.

INDUSTRY

Light Industry:Traditional crafts (Cottage Industries) of textile weaving, making shoes, jewelry, and woodcarving form the base of the region’s light industry.Many people were urged to maintain their traditional, family-centered industries by Mohandas Gandhi, who created homespun cotton fabric.In the 1970s, some countries, such as Bangladesh, began a “microcredit” program, providing small business loans to impoverished people. Many of these people were women.

INDUSTRYHeavy Industry:India manufactures iron, steel, cement, and heavy machinery.Bangladesh also manufactures iron, steel, and cement.India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh recycle iron and steel in an industry called “ship breaking”.Workers use sledgehammers and blowtorches to dismantle old or damaged ships, and the iron and steel is melted down and re-used.

INDUSTRY

Service Industries:Since the 1980s, service industries have increased in importance.India and Pakistan have benefitted from wholesale and retail trade, and government services.

INDUSTRY

The High-Technology Sector:High tech is a growing industry in South Asia.Indian computer professionals are in high demand.“India’s Silicon Valley”- the computer industry is flourishing, (cities of Bengaluru and Hyderabad).2004-2005, India was the world’s leading exporter of software services.India has the potential to become a leading manufacturer of computer hardware.They are already seeing growth in the manufacture of televisions and communications equipment.

TOURISMSeveral South Asian nations are attracting millions of tourists each year.Nepal draws tourists to photograph wild animals and climb the Himalayan slopes.Ecotourism encourages responsible interaction with the environment and endangered species, and supports preservation efforts. India’s temples and festivals attract millions.Border disputes and conflict have cut tourism in some places, such as Sri Lanka, and the Indian-Pakistan border area.