From Textile Hub to High-Profit Farming: How Dhar in MP is Emerging as a Model of Balanced Development
Dhar: Dhar district in MP is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for both industrial growth and modern agriculture. During a visit on Thursday, Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr. Sudam Khade reviewed the progress of the ambitious PM MITRA Park and interacted with progressive farmers in Badnagar who are adopting modern horticulture to boost their incomes.
Accompanied by Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and senior officials, Dr. Khade inspected the infrastructure being developed at the PM MITRA Park.
Spanning approximately 2,156 acres, this mega textile park has already received investment proposals exceeding Rs 20,000 crore and is expected to generate over 46,000 jobs.
Officials stated that more than 1,100 acres of land have been allocated in the first two phases, while work on the third phase is set to begin soon.
Facilities such as a Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant, Common Facility Center, and plug-and-play industrial sheds are being developed to attract textile and garment manufacturers.
Farmers are successfully cultivating flowers and other high-value crops
Subsequently, the Commissioner visited the villages of Rupkheda, Naharkheda, and Tilgara, where farmers are successfully cultivating flowers and other high-value crops in polyhouses and shade-net houses.
Praising their efforts, he remarked that modern agricultural techniques can make farming more profitable while simultaneously creating new employment opportunities.
He also directed officials to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), improve cold storage facilities, and organize training programs on water management and tissue culture.
Farmers requested support for blueberry cultivation and the expansion of the NVDA pipeline; officials assured them of a positive response to these requests. Dr. Khade stated that Madhya Pradesh is attaching equal importance to both industrial development and agricultural innovation.
He said that this dual approach would generate jobs, increase farmers' income, and help build a strong and sustainable economy for the state.