Krishnanagar is an agricultural distribution center. The economy is primarily based on small- to medium-scale agro-industries and trade.
The surrounding region produces rice, jute, ceramics, mangoes, cattle, poultry and fish. There is unrealized demand for building large food storage, refrigeration and processing plants. Live cattle are smuggled across the nearby border to Bangladesh. There are a few sugar mills. Many expertise gems are to be found in this heritage city.
Halwaikars or moyras (who prepare sweets) of Krishnagar are famous. While they produce all varieties of sweets, there are some which bear the hallmark of the city. 'Sarbhaja' and 'Sarpuria' are inventions that mark the talent of Krishnagar's halwaikars. The shop of "Adhar Chandra Das" is famous for the above-mentioned sweet variants.
Despite the economic boom in India in the 21st century, so far there have been no major industrial investment proposals for the town
