Sonepur: The Odisha government has chalked out plans for the establishment of textile mills in cotton-producing districts, particularly in the western region.
This was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during his visit to Sonepur district on Sunday. Majhi told reporters that districts with high cotton production would be prioritised for setting up textile-based industries.
Notably, districts such as Balangir, Sonepur and Kalahandi produce huge quantities of cotton, amounting to lakhs of quintals every year. However, due to the absence of textile mills, cotton produced in these areas is currently transported to other states for processing, a long-standing issue raised by farmers and local stakeholders.
Affirming the government’s commitment to industrialisation, CM Majhi said textiles are among the 16 priority sectors identified for development and the government is focusing on these sectors.
Asserting that industrialisation will be expanded across all 30 districts of the state, the CM said cotton-producing areas such as Balangir, Kalahandi and Sonepur will receive special attention. Roadshows have been conducted, and stakeholders have shown interest. The entire process will be transparent, and textile mills will be set up in these regions, he said.
The proposed plan aligns with the ‘Field to Fashion’ initiative, which aims to utilise locally produced cotton for manufacturing garments and related products within the state. Officials said the move is expected to generate employment opportunities, reduce migration, and ensure better returns for cotton farmers.
During his visit to Sonepur, the Chief Minister also announced projects worth Rs 633 crore for the district and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 58 projects costing Rs 276 crore.
Speaking at Subhadra Shakti Mela, Majhi said the projects span key sectors such as irrigation, roads, culture, sports and urban infrastructure, and would significantly improve the quality of life for people in the district. Among the major announcements is the Rs 557 crore riverbed reservoir project at Marudagochha, aimed at strengthening irrigation facilities.
Other projects include construction of an open-air theatre at Sanskriti Bhawan at a cost of Rs 11.23 crore, renovation of Gandhi Stadium for Rs 25.28 crore, and upgrade of Block Chowk junction at Rs 4.23 crore.
The CM also inaugurated 34 projects, built at a cost of Rs 103 crore, and laid foundation stones for 24 new projects costing Rs 173 crore. These projects cover roads, drinking water supply, irrigation, health and education infrastructure, rural development and urban amenities. Our focus is on inclusive development so that every citizen benefits from improved infrastructure and public services,” he said.
Majhi also visited the Samadhi Peeth of Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi at Khaliapali and announced Rs 35 crore for its comprehensive development, describing Bhima Bhoi as a guiding force of Odisha’s social and spiritual consciousness.
