The industrial sector in the district is not yet developed. The failed setup of an industrial estate in Nasirabad district had a negative impact on Jaffarabad. In 1986/87 an area of 40 hectares was reserved for an Industrial Estate at Dera Murad Jamali (Nasirabad). The area was divided into a total of 235 industrial plots of either 1000 m² or 1250 m² each; 48 units were issued a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC), but on only 5 units production was actually started (3 rice husks and 2 small industries for RCC pipes). On the other plots no activity has started, because of the lack of facilities provided to the owners and the lack of industrial culture and will among those who were issued NOCs.

There are two carpet making training centres: one at Usta Mohammad and one at Dera Allah Yar. Around 80 children work here to learn the art. The children are given monthly stipends from 250 to 400 Rs. Although there are embroidery centres at Rojan Jamali, Dera Allah Yar and Usta Mohammad, they are all out of production.

In addition Jaffarabad counts the following manufacturing units: 20 shellers and hullers, 15 flour mills, 8 ice factories, 8 oil expellers and 35 brick kilns.

The only item to be exported in bulk outside the district (and province) is rice. It is exported largely to the northern areas of Balochistan and Afghanistan. Wheat is exported only in small quantities outside the district.

The scope for tourism in the district is limited. There are hardly any picnic spots to be visited with the family. A possible place to visit may be Hairdin irrigation guest houses along the canal.

Historical spots include the Shoubat Khan mosque which is a piece of 19th century architecture. It has two minarets with a splendid building. Inside the mosque, calligraphic work may be seen. The tomb of the founder of the mosque: Shoubat Khan Gola (nearby) is also worth seeing. The town of Shoubatpur is a historical site, surrounded by a wall with two entrance gates.

The old "Haveeli" built by Mir Jaffar Khan Jamali, is a monument also worth visiting. The tomb of Shaki Jamali and others buried inside, is also a spot with historicalvalue, as are the ruins of Nasir Khan Jaba, a place where the lieutenant of Nasir Khan Noori lived. They are at 5 kilometers from the city of Dera Allah Yar.

Handicrafts include embroidery work, which has been traditionally designed by women. They are actively involved in the needlework and other crafts, which includes mat and sheet designing, but not in great numbers.

The area has potential for agro-industry. It has the availability of cheap labour, land, road and railway links, gas and electricity. But most of the industrial units on the Nasirabad industrial estate, which were issued NOCs have not started functioning. Partly because of the lack of infra-structure facilities available to the owners of those plots, but partly also due to the lack of industrial culture and commitment of the owners of the plots to run industrial units. There are rich and influential landowners in the area, but they are not interested in starting any industry. The estate in Nasirabad was also meant to serve Jaffarabad.

More investigation is required into what actually is the reason for investors not starting agricultural processing or other types of industry. Cotton and sugar processing industry are options to be considered as farmers follow the advise of the agricultural extension. Similarly more investigation is needed to analyze the reasons why the embroidery centres do not function.

Back to Jaffarabad