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Economy
The main occupation of the people is agriculture. Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, growing as many as a hundred different varieties of rice, all without any kind of artificial fertilizer or pesticide. Though productivity is low, most people manage to produce enough for their own needs, depending little on the market.
They cultivate both Rabi and Kharif crops. In case of Kharif crop cultivators were uncertain due to flood inundation till construction of embankment, which now have protected the crops from floods where no breach opening is there. The Rabi crop is more successful and people are very such dependant on it. Main crops grown in Majuli are Rice (summer, autumn and winter), Maize, Wheat, other Cereals, Black Gram, Vegetables, Fruits, other food crops, Cotton, Jute, Castor, Sugar Cane etc.
Other occupations:
Pisciculture: There are more than 60 large water bodies (Beels) with very rich catch of fish that provides livelihood to large number of Majuli inhabitants apart from generating substantial revenue for the Govt./Local bodies.
Pottery: Majuli is famous for Potteries in entire valley for design and quality of their products and artifacts and are made in a process tracing back to Egyptian and Harappan civilization.
Boat making: Being a flood prone, rain fed and water Logged area where water transport is the only mode of transportation, the boat making is an age-old traditional business. Around 3000 families are dependent on this trade.
Cattle farming/Dairy: Having huge pastureland cattle farming and dairying is one of the major sources of livelihood of the people.
Handicrafts/furniture: Bamboo craft and cane works are main handicraft trades.
Handloom: Women of Majuli are expert weavers and weave their own cloths. Mishing, women make a world famous fabric called "Mirizim" which is known for exotic designs and pleasing colour combination. They weave exquisite varieties and textures of silk and cotton. Every woman on the island, whether Mising or non-tribal, is an expert weaver, though like the agriculture, this is non-commercial, mostly just for the home.
Horticulture: With fertile land and suitable climatic condition, Horticulture is area of the economy, yet mostly non-commercial.
Sericulture: Around 20 village entirely depends on Sericulture by producing raw silk, endi as well as value added products.
Mineral Resources: It has been reported that oil India Ltd., has discovered oil in two wells in the Island thereby, enhancing the existing economic importance of this Island. This will mean, seriousness in protecting the Island with utmost urgency.
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