Indore's Dal Mill Industry Undergoes Technological Transformation
In a significant development for Madhya Pradesh's agricultural processing sector, a new wave of second-generation entrepreneurs is spearheading a rapid technology shift in the dal milling industry. Units based in Indore, a key pulse-processing hub, are increasingly exploring and implementing automated plants to improve operational efficiency, drastically reduce wastage, and maintain competitiveness in a challenging market.
Modernization: A Necessity for Survival
Dal mill owner Ashish Bansal emphasized that upgrading technology is no longer optional but essential for business survival. "We have already set up an advanced unit and are continuously exploring new technologies to stay ahead. Upgradation is now an absolute necessity," Bansal stated. He warned that failure to modernize could potentially push traditional units out of business entirely, highlighting the high stakes involved in this industrial evolution.
Financial Hurdles in the Path to Automation
Despite the clear imperative, industry stakeholders identify access to finance as a major obstacle to widespread modernization. Dal mill owner Komal Agrawal pointed out the significant capital required for such technological leaps. "We are eager to upgrade our operations, but securing financing remains extremely difficult. Modernizing a single unit typically requires an investment of at least Rs 5 to 10 crore," Agrawal explained, underscoring the financial challenges facing many mill owners.
Exhibition Catalyzes Technology Adoption
The momentum for technology adoption gained considerable traction during a recent three-day food processing and machinery exhibition organized by the All India Dal Mill Association, which concluded on Sunday. The event served as a crucial platform for showcasing the latest advancements in dal milling technology.
Suresh Agrawal, President of the association, reported robust interest and sales. "Machinery sales worth approximately Rs 60 crore were recorded at this event," he said. Agrawal detailed the productivity leap, noting that while traditional machines process about 100–150 quintals, advanced automated systems can handle 250–300 quintals, representing a substantial efficiency gain. "Most new and second-generation owners are actively opting for these advanced setups to significantly increase their operational efficiency," he added.
Global and Domestic Participation Highlights Industry Interest
The exhibition attracted more than 200 national and international machinery manufacturers, reflecting the growing global interest in India's food processing sector. Participants included firms from Turkey, England, and Canada, which showcased modern dal, rice, and flour processing plants. Additionally, equipment suppliers from Taiwan, China, and several Indian states presented the latest spice-processing technologies, indicating a broad technological push across related food processing segments.
The Scale of the Industry and the Need for Change
Madhya Pradesh hosts nearly 700 dal mills, with about 160 located in Indore alone, cementing its status as one of India's primary pulse-processing hubs. However, a significant portion of these mills continues to operate on ageing and less efficient machinery. This persistent use of outdated technology is prompting owners to seriously consider modernization, driven by intensifying quality standards and mounting cost pressures in the industry.
The collective move towards automation, led by a younger generation of entrepreneurs, marks a pivotal moment for the dal milling sector in the region, aiming to secure its future through innovation and enhanced productivity.
