Textile mills to come up in cotton-producing districts of Odisha: CM Mohan Majhi

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced that textile mills will be set up in cotton-producing regions of Odisha, with special focus on western districts where large volumes of cotton are cultivated. The Chief Minister made the statement during his visit to Sonepur.

Addressing a press conference, CM Mohan Majhi outlined key provisions of the state budget and spoke about new schemes and development projects. Responding to media queries, he assured that districts with high cotton production would be prioritised for textile-based industrial development.

Large quantities of cotton, amounting to lakhs of quintals, are produced annually in districts such as Bolangir, Sonepur and Kalahandi. However, due to the absence of textile mills, cotton from these regions is currently transported to other states for processing, a long-standing issue raised by farmers and local stakeholders.

Emphasising the government’s focus on industrialisation, the Chief Minister said textiles are among the 16 priority sectors identified for development. “We are focusing on 16 sectors, including textiles. Industrialisation will be expanded across all 30 districts in the coming days. Cotton-producing areas such as Bolangir, Kalahandi and Sonepur will receive special attention. Roadshows have been conducted, and stakeholders have shown interest. The entire process will be transparent, and textile mills will be set up in these regions,” he said.

‘Field To Fashion’ Initiative

The proposed plan aligns with the ‘Field to Fashion’ initiative, which aims to utilise locally produced cotton for manufacturing garments and related products within the state. Officials said the move is expected to generate employment opportunities, reduce migration, and ensure better returns for cotton farmers.

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Currently, thousands of tonnes of quality cotton from Odisha are exported to other states and countries, including Bangladesh, often resulting in lower prices for local growers. The establishment of textile mills is expected to strengthen the value chain, benefit farmers, and boost the state’s textile industry.