Nitin Gadkari pitches integrated industrial growth for Vidarbha, flags steel, solar energy, and agri-processing opportunities
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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has called for an integrated industrial development strategy for Vidarbha, highlighting opportunities in steel manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing and exports as the region looks to strengthen its contribution to Maharashtra's economic growth.
Addressing the Viksit Vidarbha Summit 2026, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in Nagpur on November 1, Gadkari underlined the need to leverage the region's natural resources, improve infrastructure and connectivity, and promote industries that generate greater value from locally available raw materials.
Gadkari flags steel manufacturing potential, mineral resources
Highlighting Vidarbha's mineral wealth, particularly coal and iron ore, Gadkari pointed to the availability of high-grade iron ore in Gadchiroli, including reported 65-grade ore, as an opportunity to develop a strong steel manufacturing ecosystem. He called for strengthening mining activities and encouraging downstream industries to generate greater economic value.
He also identified solar energy and other manufacturing segments as potential investment drivers, stressing that better infrastructure and connectivity would be critical to attracting industries.
Irrigation coverage at 20%, technology-led farming in focus
Turning to agriculture, Gadkari flagged that irrigation coverage in Vidarbha stands at around 20%, calling for a large-scale approach towards watershed development, river-basin treatment, groundwater recharge and irrigation infrastructure.
He also advocated greater adoption of artificial intelligence, drones, soil and moisture monitoring and precision farming to improve agricultural productivity. Identifying oranges, cotton, pulses and rice as key regional strengths, he called for better-quality planting material, scientific cultivation practices and stronger processing and marketing infrastructure.
He further highlighted opportunities in cotton-based textile manufacturing, orange processing, rice milling and rice bran oil production, particularly in the Bhandara-Gondia region.
Fisheries, food processing and circular economy offer opportunities
Gadkari also highlighted the potential to expand fisheries and aquaculture through commercial utilisation of the region's lakes, rivers and irrigation resources. Developing fish and shrimp production alongside processing, packaging and cold-chain infrastructure could help regional producers access domestic and international markets.
The summit featured discussions on Farm to Fuel and Waste to Wealth, focusing on biofuels, agricultural residue utilisation, recycling and resource recovery.
A key outcome was the formation of the ASSOCHAM Vidarbha Chapter, led by Madhav Labhe as chairman and Mohan Pande as co-chairman. ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council Chairman Milind Hardikar said Vidarbha could play a significant role in Maharashtra's ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy through stronger industrial linkages, connectivity and technology adoption.
ASSOCHAM Secretary General Col. Saurabh Sanyal said the region's development must align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, with investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth at its core.