Agriculture:
Shivamogga is essentially an agrarian district, with not just its economy but its whole society being largely defined by the seasons and success of agriculture. About 70% of the district's workforce is engaged in the agricultural sector which contributes about 70% of the district's income.

Known the world over, historically, for its production and processing of areca nut (borne by the betel palm Areca Catechu), Shivamogga is also the rice bowl of Karnataka. The other principal crops include ragi, jowar and maize; ground nut and sunflower; red gram and Bengal gram; sugar cane, cotton and tobacco. Many varieties of fruit, vegetables and spices are also grown in the district. About two-thirds of the area is under cereals, pulses and oilseeds occupying 4-5% each.

Education:
Shivamogga is today a leading academic centre of Karnataka, and features leading institutions in almost all major disciplines. There are hundreds of good primary schools throughout the district, and many widely reputed colleges such as the Sahyadri College and those run by the National Educational Society, Deshiya Vidya Shala Education Society and Christians' Education Society. It now has engineering, agricultural, dental, pharmacy, management, education, law and other professional colleges as also many ploytechnics including the Government Women's Polytechnic, noted for its computer diploma course. There is an Ayurvedic college, a homescience college, several I.T.Is and a range of professional and technical institutions. Above all and as a jewel in the crown, Shivamogga is the center of Kuvempu University in 1987.