The main industry is
agriculture, with
paddy being the chief crop. Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as 100 varieties of rice grown, all without
pesticides or artificial
fertilisers. Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the
Komal Saul, a unique type that can be eaten after immersing the grains in warm water for 15 minutes and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the bao dhan, that grows under water and is harvested after ten months and the
Bora saul, a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional cake known as
pitha.
Fishing,
dairying,
pottery,
handloom and boat-making are other important economic activities. Handloom is a major occupation among the distaff population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial occupation, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of
cotton and
silk, especially Muga silk. == Demographics ==