7,000 new MSME units invested Rs 670 cr in FY14

As many as 7,009 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have gone into production in the state with an investment of Rs 669.44 crore during 2013-14, as per the Odisha Economic Survey report for 2014-15.

The MSME units those went into production during the last financial year have provided job opportunities to 32,136 persons. With 7,009 MSMEs set up during the period under review, the total units set up in the state is now 1,30, 301. Cumulatively Rs 5,639 crore have been invested in 130,301 units creating employment opportunities for 7 38,478 persons.

In 2013-14, total jobs generated include 4,529 for scheduled caste persons, 4,808 persons belonging to scheduled tribes. Jobs generated for the general categories were 22,799 and 4,325 women were employed in the sector in the last fiscal.

Sundergarh district has emerged as numero uno with maximum number of 720 units set up during the period under review with an investment of Rs 84.53 crore. It is followed by Khurda (521 units), Cuttack (474 units) and Ganjam (457 units). Naxal infested Malakangiri district ranks last among the thirty districts with only 31 units going into production in the FY14 with investment of Rs 1.48 crore and providing jobs to 142 persons.

The data collated in the Odisha Economic Survey- 2013-14 states that maximum number of MSMEs belong to the repairing and services sub-sector, accounting for 35.6 per cent of the 130,301 producing units. In the manufacturing space, food and allied sector claims the highest number of MSMEs (20.9 per cent) and investments (27.63 per cent). The cumulative investment in the food and allied MSME units is Rs 1,557.86 crore at the end of 2013-14. In employment generation, food and allied sector occupies the second highest position accounting for 19.98 per cent of the total jobs created, while repairing and services sector leads the pack with 20.3 per cent.

However, the industrial sickness among the MSMEs remains a major problem, the annual Economic Survey report read.