In a remarkable economic turnaround, the remote Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra has witnessed its exports multiply eightfold over the last four years. The surge is powered not just by traditional agricultural produce but also by unexpected commodities like locally cultivated pearls, signaling a diversification of the district's export basket.
From ₹4 Crore to ₹32 Crore: The Stunning Growth Trajectory
District Collector Avishyat Panda revealed the impressive figures at the Mahaniryat-Ignite Convention, an export promotion event held at the district headquarters on Saturday. The data shows a leap from ₹4 crore in the financial year 2021-22 to ₹32 crore in 2024-25. This exponential growth underscores the untapped potential of the region, historically known for its paddy fields and dense forests.
Rice Dominates, But Pearls Make a Sparkling Entry
As expected in a major paddy-growing region, cereals—primarily rice—continue to be the backbone, constituting a dominant 98% of the total exports. However, the surprise element in the export growth story comes from the pearls and precious stones sector. According to the industries department, this niche category now accounts for 1% of exports, a significant achievement for a non-traditional product.
"Some locals began pearl farming in the lakes. This began showing results, and an export market was created too," explained an official from the industries department. Pharmaceuticals also contributed, making up 0.2% of the export tally.
The Road to ₹100 Crore: Cluster Approach and Branding
Looking ahead, Collector Avishyat Panda has set an ambitious target of taking Gadchiroli's exports to ₹100 crore in the coming years. To achieve this, he emphasized a dual strategy: the cluster approach and aggressive branding of district-made products.
"The cluster approach can help create demand for commodities like forest products, as well as locally available produce like charoli (almondette) and mahua, apart from rice," Panda stated. He also announced that the government is keen on setting up a dedicated portal to showcase the entire range of commodities from Gadchiroli to a global audience, facilitating market access and creating sustained export demand.
