The district has no industry worth mentioning, though it looks suitable for agro-based industry. So far neither private enterprise nor government is inclined to move in this direction.

Source: Labour Department, Quetta.

Although no license is required to establish a small enterprise, the position of small enterprise development in the district Jhall Magsi is depressive.

As far as female participation is concerned it is close to zero, and there is little hope of their participation in the near future. The major reason is lack of skills and availability of markets. Required infrastructure is also not available. Furthermore, there is neither a vocational institute nor any management training centre in the district.

Manufacturing in Jhall Magsi is limited to shoe-making, called Chaba in local terminology. There are two or three ice factories which only work in summer. Embroidery work, especially female Balochi dress and Balochi cap called (Topi), is done by women in their houses. But it is sold by middlemen, as women do not have direct access to the market.

The trade in the district is limited to essential goods, which includes cloth, utensils, Banspati Ghai and other food items. Only oil seeds, which are cash crops, are exported.

The district Jhall Magsi has limited tourist attraction, though it has some tourist places. A vast number of people from adjacent districts and Sindh visit the area at the time of Urs of Rakhail Shah, which is always held in the month of March.

One of the important handicrafts of the district Jhall Magsi is embroidery. This highly skilled work is done by the women of the district. It is mainly done on women’s dress. Caps and sometimes vest coats of men are embroidered too. This embroidery is sold on markets within the district. Prices range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000. Nowadays, some skilled women get orders from Quetta and Sibi.

Another handicraft is basket making. Phish (Dwarf palm) is used for the purpose. This work is done by Jat tribes, who are usually camel keepers. The baskets are sold in the market. Sizes vary. Sometimes, they make mats by order of buyers. These mats are also used in mosques, on cots in summer and for sitting purposes. They are also used in roofs of the houses.

The district of Jhall Magsi has no department to stimulate small enterprise development.

An overview of the industrial sector in the district of Jhall Magsi does not present an encouraging picture. There is no industry in the district at all, nor are there any related agencies making any effort. However, the district seems to be suitable for the establishment of various industries, especially agro-based industry. The district has human resources, water resources and is situated adjacent to Sindh province, a potential market.

Handicraft industry has a good scope, as women are actively involved in handicrafts. So far, no proper marketing or manufacturing of products took place. This has resulted in only few production units developed. Handicrafts may become a major income generation activity for families.

Tourism is very poor in the district. Besides sight-seeing areas, the district also has archaeology and spiritual places like, Pir Chattal, Pir Lakha, and Darghah Fithpur. With a small effort and proper publicity the district may attract a large number of tourists.

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