Agriculture is the most important source of livelihood for the people of this district of Manipur. More than 70 per cent of the total population of the district is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural activities. The valley is fertile and the topography of Thoubal District provides good opportunity for irrigation, natural as well as artificial. Rice accounts for above 90 per cent of the total land area under cultivation. The soil of the district is fertile and with the help of irrigation facilities from the Imphal barrage double cropping is widely practiced in the district. In some areas, even triple cropping is practiced – first paddy crop starting late February or early March, second paddy crop in July and early August and the third crop of mustard seeds, pulses, etc. in November. Other crops grown in the District are sugarcane, oilseeds, maize, potatoes, pulses, chilies, etc. The district is the largest producer of sugarcane in Manipur. Its cultivation is mainly confined to Thoubal, Wangjing, Heirok and Khagnjom. Oilseeds, mainly mustard seeds, are found all over the district. Recently cultivation of sunflower is also started. Vegetables such as cabbages, cauliflower, different kinds of peas, gourds, pumpkins, etc. are cultivated widely. Among the plantation crops, pineapples are the most important and major cash crop which are cultivated in the slopes of low hills and hillocks. It is mainly cultivated in Waithou hill range and Sharam hill. Another important sector of economy of Thoubal District is Animal Husbandry. Important livestock found in Thoubal District are cattle, buffaloes, goats, horses and ponies, pigs, dogs etc. Significant progress have been made in the district in the direction of milk production, breeding of better varieties of cattle and poultry, and generation of employment through piggery and poultry development. Khangabok is famed throughout India for Tule, (Schoenoplectus acutus) know locally as Kouna, based handicrafts. Kouna is used for making seating mat (phak), stool (mora), chair, hand bags, mattress and various other crafts.
Fishing also contributes to the economy of Thoubal District. Fishing provides an important occupation for a large number of people in the district. Fishing is commonly practiced in villages such as Tentha, Leishangthem, Waithou, Khangabok, Irong.
