TRADE

CHANGE IN PATTERN AND ORGANIzATION OF TRADE

SINCE THE COMPILATION OF THE OLD GAZETTEER in 1886 there has been a considerable change in the pattern as well as organization of trade. The railway system in India came in the wake of British rule. It revolutionized the whole transport system and led to the growth of towns which became centres of organized trading activities.

Facilities of road transport are fairly widely available to the district. The Poona-Bangalore National Highway No. 4 passes through the district. The major district roads and other district roads also play a vital part. This has led to gul and tobacco, the principal exportable commodities of the district, finding a wider market. The growth of important trade centres like Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Jaisingpur, etc., establishment of organizations of traders and merchants' associations, the trend towards regulated markets (Kolhapur and Gadhinglaj) and the establishment of co-operative trading societies like the Shetkari Sahakari Sangh Ltd., Kolhapur, are all indicative of a definite change in the pattern as well as organisation of trade.

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