The economy of Kelantan is based on agriculture with rice, rubber, tobacco and fruits being the main cash crops.Fishing, fish and livestock rearing are also important economic activities.Timber production provides a substantial revenue to the state and gold is still mined in small quantities.A thriving cottage industry produces extremely fine batik material and paintings, exquisite gold and silverware, intricate wood carvings and beautiful “kain songket”( from gold and silver threads). Leather working and mat weaving from pandanas leaves are also local trades.
Tourism is growing in importance as the state has wealth of attractions such as homestay programmes a rich heritage of culture and traditions, eco-tourism packages and fine powdery beaches.