Vidarbha's Future Must Be Regional & Inclusive, Not Nagpur-Centric: Gadkari
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Nagpur: Union minister
Nitin Gadkari
called for a comprehensive and balanced approach to Vidarbha's industrial growth, urging sector-wise planning, modernisation, and inclusive policies that reach down to the grassroots level.
Speaking at the formal release of the 'Advantage Vidarbha – 2025' report on Saturday, the city MP emphasised that development must be region-wide, leveraging the strengths of each district to unlock Vidarbha's full potential. The event was organised by Association for Industrial Development (AID).
"Vidarbha's development should not be confined to one city. We need to tap the unique strengths and resources of each district, from textiles in Amravati to the silk and handloom industries in Dhapewada," Gadkari said.
He cited the launch of a new non-profit textile firm in Dhapewada that employs over 1,500 women and outlined plans to introduce electric looms to create further employment opportunities in rural areas.
The BJP heavyweight minister underscored the importance of integrating agriculture, handicrafts, and the service sector to build a stronger industrial ecosystem. Drawing from his personal farming experience, Gadkari shared how he cultivated organic onions on leased land, marketing organic produce like residue-free tur and highlighting the economic benefits of organic farming.
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"Such small-scale, innovative approaches can lift farmers from extreme poverty and prevent them from committing suicides," he said.
Gadkari also highlighted emerging opportunities in the textile sector, noting that Amravati can emerge as a leading textile hub of the region. "We must integrate technology and automation in textile printing and production to empower rural artisans and connect them to national and global markets," he stated.
Mentioning his discussions with Jindal for establishing steel plants in the region, Gadkari said, "We must build supporting infrastructure, including hotels. At the upcoming agro-convention centre, we are planning to have a 350-room five-star hotel and conference facilities to complement the industrial ecosystem."
While unveiling the booklet 'Startup Connect – 2025,' the minister described startups as "a powerful idea with strong potential to transform Vidarbha's economy" and recounted his experiences at various workshops, including one at Dhapewada on Friday that focused on organic farming and soil carbon content.
The event saw a host of dignitaries, including former MP Ajay Sancheti, SBI deputy general manager Rajesh Saurabh, IIM director Bhimraya Metri, MSME dept director Rajesh Shirsat, AID president Ashish Kale, vice-president Girdhari Mantri, secretary Vijay Sharma, founder of Fluid Ventures Amit Singal, AID startup convenor Shashikant Chaudhary, and AID office bearers Rajesh Bagdi and Prashant Ugemuge.
BOX
Call for Women's Wing in AID Gains Momentum
Responding to her felicitation at the Advantage Vidarbha event, entrepreneur Supriya Kurve expressed gratitude to Union minister Nitin Gadkari and the AID team, crediting their encouragement for helping her business achieve a Rs2.5 crore turnover. She proposed expanding Advantage Vidarbha to a 4-day conclave to provide deeper exposure to aspiring entrepreneurs. Kurve also advocated for the creation of a dedicated women's wing within the AID to support and mentor women-led enterprises in Vidarbha.
Kale credited the visionary leadership of Gadkari and Fadnavis, and the active involvement of the MSME department for transforming Advantage Vidarbha into a major industrial movement.
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