GONDIA

The primary industry in the region is agriculture, with paddy being the main crop, alongside other crops such as jawar, linseed, wheat, and tur. This agricultural foundation supports the district's reputation as the "Rice City," housing numerous rice mills that process the locally grown paddy. 

Gondia district, situated in the northeastern part of Maharashtra, is predominantly agricultural, with farming being the main occupation for its inhabitants. The district is famous for its widespread cultivation of paddy, earning Gondia city the nickname "Rice City" due to its numerous rice mills.

Besides paddy, other crops grown in the area include sugarcane, wheat, jowar, linseed, and tur. The region's agricultural activities are significantly supported by substantial rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season from June to September.

The extensive cultivation of paddy in Gondia has resulted in the proliferation of rice mills across the district, making rice milling a crucial sector. These mills process local paddy and play a significant role in the local economy by offering jobs and supporting related industries.

Gondia district is home to the Adani Power Maharashtra Limited (APML) plant, located near Tirora, which operates as a significant coal-based thermal power station. With a total capacity of 3,300 MW, the plant consists of five units, each generating 660 MW. This facility is instrumental in fulfilling Maharashtra's energy needs and ensuring the stability of the regional power grid.

Gondia district has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in local industries. These families have contributed to sectors such as bidi manufacturing and agriculture, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Some of the most notable among them include the Manohar Bhai Patel family and the Thakur family.

The numerous parboiled rice mills in Gondia district have been identified as major contributors to environmental pollution, classified under the Central Pollution Control Board's 'Orange Category' as the second most polluting industry type. The primary environmental concerns associated with these mills include:

The rice milling process generates significant amounts of rice husk, which is often burned in boilers, releasing particulate matter and other pollutants into the air. This not only degrades air quality but also poses health risks to the local population. The combustion process produces rice husk ash, which, if not managed properly, can further contribute to environmental degradation.

Effluents from rice mills contain high levels of organic matter and suspended solids, contaminating both surface and groundwater sources. This leads to increased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels, harming aquatic ecosystems and making water unsafe for consumption and agricultural use24.

The accumulation of rice husk ash presents a significant solid waste management challenge. For every 1,000 kg of paddy processed, about 55-60 kg of ash is generated. Improper disposal can lead to soil contamination. Although rice husk ash has potential uses in construction and agriculture, its mismanagement often occurs due to inadequate infrastructure and awareness.

In recent years, several industries have gained prominence in the Gondia district, marking a shift from traditional agricultural employment to industrial and service-based opportunities. The rice milling industry, which flourished after World War I, remains the district's economic backbone. While some workers have transitioned from agriculture to rice milling, others continue to migrate to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur in search of better job prospects.

The industrial sector's growth has been supported by local banks and cooperative institutions, offering financial assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses. However, despite this, entrepreneurship in Gondia is still at a nascent stage, with limited access to capital and infrastructure posing challenges. Nevertheless, younger generations are gradually showing interest in small enterprises, indicating potential for future business development.

At the same time, economic difficulties in agriculture—such as fluctuating crop prices, unpredictable weather, and rising input costs—have led many to seek more stable incomes in industrial and service-based sectors.