Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh (AIMP) is the single largest democratic industrial organisation established in the state in 1959. The prime object of the AIMP is to promote and safeguard the interest of the industries situated and established in MP by all possible means. The association aims to promote entrepreneurship and facilitate industrial growth as manufacturing/service industry from an integral part of economic development of the state.

“MSME are the engines of growth in every region providing and assisting them to network within the state and country for strategic partnerships either technical or commercial, facilitating meeting with ministers, top government officials, policy-makers, technocrats, national and international trade agencies, various associations, diplomats is the prime mission of the association,” states Pramod Dafaria, President, Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh.

The association has been submitting constructive suggestions to the central, state and local administrations with a view to solve various problems facing the industries. “The key approach of AIMP is not only to facilitate and smoothen the working conditions for our members, but to provide them with a balanced learning and developing platform as well,” he adds.

Advantage offered by MP
The state offers excellent support infrastructure for industrial growth. The state has a robust rail network, National Highway network, five commercial airports and six inland container depots. Indore has been rated the first cleanest city for the 5th consecutive year in the Cleanliness Survey 2021 by the Government of India. Madhya Pradesh has a strong base of mineral resources and accounts for 14% of India's total cement production. The state has an oil refinery at Bina with an annual capacity of 6 MMT. The installed power capacity of the state is over 23,400 MW; 35% of which is contributed by renewable energy sources.

“The state is a leading producer of a variety of horticulture crops; thus offering lucrative potential for food processing industries. Business people may find many business opportunities in Madhya Pradesh in different domains, including textile, automobiles, food processing, soya processing, engineering and agriculture equipment,” opines Dafaria.

State falls under influence area of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and has developed industrial and investment regions like Pithampur-Dhar-Mhow, Ratlam-Nagda, Shajapur-Dewas and Neemach-Nayagaon along the corridor. Prominent industrial hubs such as Mandideep, Pithampur, Dewas, Malanpur and Pilukhedi have witnessed significant growth in export business.

Taking the right steps
Key challenges faced by industries in MP are technological backwardness; high cost of credit; procurement of raw materials; inadequate infrastructure facilities; lack of skilled manpower; and inadequate access to market. AIMP regularly gives representations to central and state government to improve basic facilities to industry, give low cost credit/collateral-free loans, technology assistance, skill manpower, e-commerce, R&D capability, project management services, improve and adapt modern technologies in connection with the industrial development of the MP.

“Recently, the government of India announced a stimulus package of Rs 3 trillion collateral-free help to the MSME in India as part of the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan. However, if adequate reforms are not implemented to solve the pressing challenges, providing a stimulus package may not be effective,” says Pramod Dafaria.

To improve the conditions of industries in MP, he has following suggestions to the central and state governments:

Dafaria adds, “The present scenario gives us confidence to work hard to achieve more. This is a golden era for industries to grow.”