This book is a comprehensive directory featuring 100 industries in Odisha, ranging from major industrial players to smaller ones
Bhaskar Parichha
100 Industries in Odisha
Ed. Dillip Mishra
Maruti Media
Bhubaneswar
Odisha may be known as an industrial powerhouse, but when it comes to concrete data, it falls short. Both government and private companies are sluggish in updating their profiles. Luckily, Maruti Media has released a comprehensive directory featuring 100 industries in Odisha, ranging from big players to small ones. This massive book offers sector-wise profiles, giving a panoramic view of the industrial landscape in Odisha.
Writes Dillip Mishra in the editorial: ‘Odisha is a storehouse of natural resources. A vast expanse of coastal areas and mines in extensive areas exist in the state. But in spite of an abundance of forest resources, mines, quarries, agricultural land and marine resources, the process of industrialization of the state is far from satisfactory, though this state is still in the race for industrialization.’
Currently, numerous industrial organizations and entrepreneurs from outside the state are demonstrating a keen interest in harnessing the extensive natural resources available within the state. Several industrial groups have already initiated their projects. However, despite its wealth of resources, this state has yet to secure a prominent position on the national industrial landscape.
It is not that Odias do not possess entrepreneurship skills. There is evidence that hundreds of years ago Odia Sadhabapua (traders) carried out trade and commerce in many places including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon, Bhutan, Nepal, China, by utilizing both sea route and land routes. But with the passage of time Odisha lost this entrepreneurial ability.
The Naveen Patnaik administration has played a pivotal role in transforming the industrial landscape of Odisha, significantly accelerating the industrialization process over the past two decades. This proactive approach has resulted in the establishment of a multitude of small-scale industries across various regions of the state, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
One of the hallmark projects of this industrial push is Kalinga Nagar, which has been envisioned as the second steel city of Odisha, following the legacy of Biju Babu, the state’s revered leader. Kalinga Nagar has become a hub for steel production, hosting several state-of-the-art steel plants that not only bolster the local economy but also position Odisha as a key player in the national steel industry.
The development of this industrial zone has attracted significant investment, both from domestic and international players, further enhancing the region’s industrial capabilities. In addition to Kalinga Nagar, the industrialization efforts have spurred the growth of numerous steel and related industries in various districts throughout the state. This diversification of industrial activities has led to the emergence of ancillary industries, including those involved in manufacturing components, logistics and services that support the steel sector.
As a result, the state’s industrial ecosystem has become more robust and interconnected, fostering innovation and collaboration among businesses. Moreover, the government’s focus on creating a conducive environment for industrial growth has included the implementation of favorable policies, infrastructure development and investment in skill development programs. These initiatives have not only attracted new industries but have also empowered local entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses, thereby enhancing the overall economic resilience of the state.
But as Mishra says, “Despite all these, it can be said that Odisha has not yet made full utilization of its resources. Industrialization of the state has been affected by national and international economic slowdowns. Corruption in the field of mining for a few years and consequently the complete stoppage of mining for some years have had a serious impact. Over and above this the corona crisis in 2020-22 had seriously affected the process of industrialization of the state.”
But there is still hope. He rightly says, “Today’s crisis may not be there tomorrow; today’s problems may have been solved tomorrow. Let us hope that the process of industrialization in Odisha will be accelerated in the days to come.”
Packed with baseline information, photos and achievements, this directory will be invaluable for researching industries in the state. With a foreword from Dr. Brahma Mishra, President of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a few words from publisher Manoj Prusty, this groundbreaking publication showcases 100 industries at one go.
Commendations to MM and UCCIL for this remarkable initiative. Bid farewell to the difficulties of searching for industry data in Odisha!
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
