Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for an integrated industrial development strategy to unlock Vidarbha’s economic potential, highlighting opportunities across steel manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and food processing.
Speaking at the Viksit Vidarbha Summit 2026 in Nagpur, Gadkari emphasised the need to utilise the region’s abundant natural resources, strengthen infrastructure and improve connectivity to attract industrial investments.
He highlighted the availability of coal and high-grade iron ore in Gadchiroli as a major opportunity for developing a strong steel manufacturing ecosystem. Solar energy and other manufacturing sectors were also identified as promising growth drivers.
Focusing on agriculture, Gadkari pointed out that irrigation coverage in Vidarbha remains around 20%. He stressed the importance of watershed development, groundwater recharge and modern irrigation infrastructure. He also encouraged the adoption of AI, drones and precision farming to improve agricultural productivity.
The region’s strengths in oranges, cotton, pulses and rice offer significant opportunities for value-added industries, including orange processing, textile manufacturing, rice milling and rice bran oil production.
He also highlighted fisheries, aquaculture, biofuels and waste-to-wealth initiatives as emerging opportunities.
The proposed integrated approach aims to strengthen local industries, generate employment, attract investments and position Vidarbha as an important contributor to Maharashtra’s economic growth and India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
