Give geographical reason: Fruit processing industries are found in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg Districts of Konkan region.

Answer: Raw material (mango, cashew, kokum, jackfruit) is grown locally, so processing units are set up near the orchards.

• The laterite soils, heavy rainfall and humid coastal climate of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are ideal for horticulture: Alphonso mango, cashew, kokum, jackfruit and coconut are grown on a large scale.
• Fruits are perishable and lose weight and quality in transport, so it is economical to process them near the source of raw material.
• Cheap local labour, government support for horticulture and food processing, and transport by the Konkan Railway and ports help to send pulp, juice, jam, canned fruit and cashew to Mumbai, Pune and abroad.
• Hence many fruit processing industries are located in these two districts.