NAGPUR

Nagpur's agrarian landscape is defined by crops such as paddy, jowar, cotton, tur, and soybean. The district is particularly renowned for its orange production in Nagpur (Rural), Katol, Narkhed, Kalmeshwar, Saoner, Bhiwapur, and Karanja, supporting a thriving fruit-processing industry. Companies like Haldiram's and Dinshaws utilize local produce for their products. Floriculture is also expanding, with good amount of land dedicated to flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, and gladioli, catering to both local and export markets. The soybean industry is growing, driven by demand for products such as soy milk, biscuits, and cattle feed.

Nagpur hosts major manufacturing firms, including Haldiram Foods International, Pidilite Industries, and Procter & Gamble. The textile sector is represented by Morarjee Textiles, while the automobile industry benefits from Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra's presence. Butibori and Hingna industrial zones support numerous SMEs, including Candico, India's second-largest confectionery manufacturer.

Pidilite Industries, a leader in adhesives and construction chemicals, has a strong presence in Nagpur. Hindustan Petroleum operates an oil refinery, contributing to the petrochemical sector. Smaller enterprises like Mechachem Industries and Varsha Printing Inks further diversify the chemical industry. The pharmaceutical sector is also growing, with Vicco Laboratories leading in Ayurvedic products.

Nagpur is rich in minerals, including coal, manganese, dolomite, limestone, iron ore, and tungsten. Coal reserves are concentrated in Saoner, Kanhan, and Umred, while manganese deposits are prominent in Ramtek and Saoner.

Nagpur’s economic and political landscape has been shaped by several prominent families who have made significant contributions across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, food processing, and automobiles. Their entrepreneurial ventures and public influence have played a crucial role in the city’s development. Notable families include, Gadkari Family, the Baidyanath Family, the Haldiram Family, the Dinshaw Family, Kothari Family.

Nagpur is home to the Multi-Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), a key Special Economic Zone (SEZ) driving the region’s industrial growth. Established in 2006, MIHAN spans 1,236.21 hectares and is India’s first SEZ directly connected to an airport. This strategic initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of the Vidarbha region while addressing its developmental challenges. The SEZ attracts investments across diverse sectors, including IT/ITeS, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and aerospace, with a strong focus on developing an aviation hub.

MIHAN has garnered significant business interest, with 64 units approved and 26 already operational, featuring prominent companies like TCS, Infosys, and Air India/Boeing. The SEZ offers top-tier infrastructure and urban amenities, making it appealing to both domestic and international investors. To further promote industrial growth, the Maharashtra government has introduced incentives such as tax exemptions and simplified regulatory processes.

In addition to MIHAN, Nagpur benefits from other industrial areas like the Butibori Industrial Area, enhancing its manufacturing capacity.

Nearly 63% of industries in the region emit toxic pollutants that exceed safe levels, contributing significantly to air quality deterioration. Construction activities, especially large projects like the Nagpur Metro Rail Project, exacerbate this issue by generating dust and particulate matter, which further pollute the air and pose health risks to residents.

Water pollution is another critical issue linked to industrial activities. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has reported that industrial waste is contaminating local water bodies, including the Nag River and Ambazari Lake. These water sources have been found to contain untreated sewage and industrial effluents, leading to a decline in water quality and making them unsuitable for recreational or agricultural use.

Nagpur’s industrial landscape has evolved significantly, driven by infrastructure projects like MIHAN, a growing logistics sector, and expanding healthcare facilities. The food processing industry, particularly orange-based products, continues to thrive, while education and coaching centers have reinforced Nagpur’s status as an academic hub. Entrepreneurship, especially among women, is on the rise, with SMEs and home-based enterprises gaining traction. According to locals, the city’s strategic location and improving connectivity are attracting new investments, while traditional industries remain integral to its economy. With government support and community-driven initiatives, Nagpur is steadily integrating heritage industries with modern economic growth.