Despite banditry, Gwalior-Chambal prospers

Gwalior, July 2: Though notorious for a unique banditry menace, Gwalior and Chambal divisions of northern Madhya Pradesh also boast of prosperous agricultural pockets.

A firm base of farm production is facilitated by soil fertility Erstwhile princely state of Gwalior's rulers provided industrial inputs from time to time.

As per official estimates, more than 1,000 small or large-scale industrial units exist in the region and boast of investment in the range of Rs 6,500 crore. At one point, industrial progress ground to a halt due to dacoity and other factors that made eminent industrialists fight shy of pumping funds.

However, in view of the government effecting socio-economic changes, irrigation capacity-enhancement schemes were drafted to make the region agri-intensive.

Cotton-gin and pressing industry has been active at Datia. In the beginning of 1930, the then Scindia ruler successfully attracted a prestigious industrial group to set up the Jiwajirao Cotton Mill, Simco and others. Besides, the clay available in the area was utilised for Gwalior Potteries.

The formation of Madhya Pradesh coincided with contemplation on fresh initiatives for the region's development.

On the farm front, Gwalior-Chambal attained fame as a leading producer of mustard. It has become the chief crop in banditry-affected Morena, Sheopur and Bhind. That was accompanied by a spurt in wheat output. Guna, Shivpuri and Datia earned recognition as groundnut-producing districts. Coriander output also increased by leaps and bounds.

Small-scale units began to be established in urban and rural areas and lower-rung investors emerged on the scene.

In the early 70's, the Banmour Industrial Development Centre was set up in Morena district and acted as a shot in the arm.

Schemes to check soil erosion and reclaim Chambal's ravines were implemented and the region witnessed a spurt in agriculture production. At that juncture the state government established industrial areas in each district.

In the initial stages, rolling mills, paper-producing units, cement and cloth factories came up. At present, JK Tyres is a key player and the region is known for its cotton while its vegetables and oilseeds are used all over the country.

The mustard feeds a tear gas unit, located within the BSF Academy at Tekanpur and the sole such facility in Asia. Availability of water in the perennial Chambal and its tributaries is a key factor.

The Malanpur Industrial Development Centre is a pillar of progress with units including those of Cadbury India Ltd, Godrej, Surya Roshni, Crompton Greaves, Kodak India, Hotline Group and Supreme Industries.

The state Industrial Development Corporation is setting up projects. Besides a modern textile complex, stone park, food park and IT centre, a Habitat and Trade Centre are being developed.

UNI