The water for irrigation comes from wells and tanks. The Indira Gandhi Canal irrigates northwestern Rajasthan. The industrialization of Rajasthan slowly began in 1960s

The main industries are mineral based, agriculture based, and textiles. Rajasthan is the second largest producer of polyester fibre in India. The Bhilwara District produces more cloth than Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.

Rajasthan has a prominent place in quarrying and mining in India. The state is the second largest source of cement. It has rich salt deposits at Sambhar; copper mines at Khetri and zinc mines at Dariba; Zawar mines at Zawarmala for zinc; Rampura Aghucha (opencast) near Bhilwara. Dimensional stone mining is also undertaken in Rajasthan: Jodhpur sandstone is used in monuments, important buildings, residential buildings, etc. This stone is termed "chittar patthar".