The State of Maharashtra was
formed on 1st May 1960. The land mainly consists of plateau sloping
towards the west. About 61 per cent of the population depends on
agriculture and allied activities. The gross irrigated area is about
3.37 million hectares, and the principal crops are rice, wheat, pulses,
vegetables and fruits such as mango, grape, orange and cashewnut.
Mumbai, the State Capital, is the focal point of financial and
commercial markets. India's major film industry is also located in
Mumbai. Important industries are food, cotton, textiles, petroleum
products and chemicals. Mumbai is a major port and there are about 50
other minor ports. The State has warm summers, mild winters, and though
rainfall ranges from 50 cm. in the rain shadow areas to 200 cm. in the
coastal region, the average annual rainfall is 94 cm.