Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday directed officials that industries being established in the state's industrial zones should accord priority to local farmers and rural residents while creating employment opportunities. He said industrial growth should directly benefit communities living in and around industrial areas, ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic development.

During his visit to Vikram Udyogpuri in Ujjain, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of industrial infrastructure and ongoing investment projects. Stressing the need to strengthen the link between agriculture and industry, CM Dr Yadav urged officials to encourage farmers to cultivate crops required by industrial units. He said such an approach would not only increase farmers' incomes but also ensure a steady supply of raw materials for industries.

The Chief Minister added that Madhya Pradesh is witnessing rapid industrial expansion due to the state's investor-friendly policies, modern infrastructure and positive approach towards industrial investment.

Rs 1,266-crore PepsiCo plant set to generate hundreds of jobs

During the inspection, MPIDC Executive Director Rajesh Rathore briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing and proposed industrial projects, industrial infrastructure development, land allotment and the current investment scenario in Ujjain district.

CM Dr Yadav also inspected the state-of-the-art food processing facility of PepsiCo India Limited, which was virtually inaugurated earlier by the Chief Minister. Established with an investment of approximately Rs 1,266 crore, the unit is expected to generate around 800 direct jobs, besides creating a substantial number of indirect employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said such large-scale investments would strengthen Madhya Pradesh's industrial ecosystem while creating long-term livelihood opportunities for the state's youth.

Working women's hostel to boost female workforce participation

CM Dr Yadav also reviewed the construction of a modern Working Women's Hostel, being built within the industrial area at a cost of Rs 50.05 crore. Once completed, the residential complex will provide safe, comfortable and dignified accommodation to nearly 1,500 women employees working in the industrial zone.

The Chief Minister said better residential facilities for women workers would encourage greater female participation in the workforce and provide fresh momentum to women's empowerment in the state.

Major investments transforming Ujjain into an industrial hub

Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh informed the Chief Minister that 246 new industrial units have been allotted land in the district over the past two-and-a-half years. These projects are expected to attract investments worth nearly Rs 16,150 crore and create more than 14,500 direct employment opportunities.

Spread across approximately 773 acres, Vikram Udyogpuri has so far allotted 94 industrial plots, with anticipated investments of around Rs 6,480 crore. Meanwhile, the Medical Device Park, developed over 360 acres, has allotted land to 74 industrial units, with proposed investments amounting to nearly Rs 2,894 crore.

Phase-II expansion, IT Park and textile investments gather pace

With industrial demand continuing to rise, the state government is developing Vikram Udyogpuri Phase II across 488 hectares. Land has already been allotted to prominent companies, including Alkem Laboratories, the Adani Group and Volvo Eicher, with proposed investments of approximately Rs 4,800 crore. In addition, proposals worth more than Rs 15,000 crore have been received from over 35 other industrial units.

The Collector further informed that the first phase of the under-construction IT Park has been completed. In the textile and apparel sector, Best Life Corporation and Pratibha Swaraj Limited are investing more than Rs 315 crore, a move expected to generate employment for over 5,000 people, particularly women.