INDORE: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said a metropolitan city will be built by merging parts of Indore with neighbouring districts.
“The future of Madhya Pradesh is bright in terms of commerce and trade. Indore and Ujjain share a close connection. Parts of Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, and Dhar districts will be combined to form a metropolitan city,” Yadav said at the inaugural meet of Kabuli Chana Traders Association in Indore.
The CM, who has been touring major cities to promote MP as a business destination, highlighted the success of the Industry Conclave organized by state govt in Coimbatore and Bengaluru. “It has opened new avenues for investment in Madhya Pradesh. There is significant potential for food processing units in MP and govt is making special efforts to establish new industries in this sector,” Yadav said, urging youngsters to take the initiative in setting up food processing units.
“State govt is committed to providing all possible assistance to industrialists and businessmen and solving their problems. For India to become a superpower, collective participation is a must,” he said, adding that special efforts are being made to encourage new businesses and investment in the state. “Kabuli chana from Indore is exported to more than 60 countries, which is a matter of pride. Ensuring better prices for chickpeas and strengthening the economy is the govt’s vision,” said Yadav.
He said the issue of stock limits on kabuli chana was brought to him through the association and it was immediately resolved.
“The state govt is committed to increasing farmers’ income. Compared to wheat, chana requires less irrigation and has higher yield. The MP govt is prioritising efforts to promote chickpea cultivation in the state and removing the limit on kabuli chana will benefit both farmers and traders. Central govt has also made an important decision to remove the limit on kabuli chana,” said Yadav.
The Kabuli Chana Traders Association urged the chief minister to reduce mandi tax of 1.2% levied by MP govt, shift Chawni ‘anaj mandi’ to the outskirts to avoid traffic issues, and promote the export of kabuli chana to propel the growth of the pulses industry in the country. MP is a leading cultivating centre and exporter of kabuli chana in the country.”MP has the lion’s share in kabuli chana export from India. We, as an industry, have urged the MP govt to reduce mandi tax from 1.2% to make local industry competitive. Several dal mills from MP have relocated to other states after failing to compete due to high operating costs. Many other Indian states have abolished mandi tax and this has helped their business grow,” said Rajul Sarda, secretary, Kabuli Chana Traders Association.
According to the association, India exports more than 1 lakh tonnes of kabuli chana per annum .
