SME Times News Bureau | 09 Feb, 2019
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh
Prabhu recently released the compendium on “The Cement Industry – India 2018”
in New Delhi.
The compendium has been prepared by National
Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM), in association with cement
section of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
It contains key information about technology
development, challenges and opportunities for Indian cement industry along with
an exhaustive directory of cement plants in India.
The Indian cement industry is the second largest in
the world with an installed capacity of 509 million tonnes per annum in 2018
and cement production of 298 million tonnes in 2018 with 143 integrated cement
plants, 102 grinding units, 5 clinkerisation units and 62 mini cement plants in
the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Prabhu emphasized
on improving energy efficiency, environmental excellence and quality standards
in the Indian cement industry. He observed that cement consumption in India is
still around 235 kg per capita against global average of 520 kg per capita,
which shows significant potential for the growth of industry.
The Commerce Minister highlighted that Government’s
focus on Housing for all by 2022, Make in India, World Class Cement Concrete
Highways, Creation of 100 Smart cities, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Clean
India Mission, Ultra Mega Power Projects, Connectivity improvement including
Water Transport will bring required boost in infrastructure and housing
sectors.
The Minister also urged the cement industry to
think of recycling of material used in production of cement.
The event was attended by senior officials from the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, office bearers of National Council for
Cement and Building Materials, cement industry and representatives of Cement
Manufacturers’ Association.