Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged state-based industrialists to establish small industries for value addition of minor forest produce in Bastar and other forest areas.
He was addressing a programme ‘Chhattisgarh Ke Nava Bihaan’ organized by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) at a hotel here.
Addressing the industrialists, he said the state will ensure that local industries do not face any shortage of iron ore and coal. The government is continuously making efforts on the issue with NMDC and the Centre.
In the last two years 103 MoUs have been signed to establish industries with an investment of Rs 42,000 crores.
Baghel said to facilitate the industrialists, the government will come up with a model project on value addition of minor forest produce with the Forest Department. It will help the forest produce collectors the right value and generate employment.
In around 300 villages, the ‘Gauthans’ are working as ‘Rural Industrial Park’. The women are indulged in economic activities which are generating employment and income. A women self help group in Ambikapur has signed a MoU with a company to sell vermi-compost at Rs 16 per kg, he said.
An assurance was given by the Chief Minister to establish automobile industry and solar energy plants.
Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma threw light on various initiatives of the government for industrialists and creating a favourable environment for ease of doing business.