MGM has big plans for garment production in Odisha: Pankaj Lochan Mohanty

Bhubaneswar: Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman of MGM Minerals Limited and President of Odisha Cricket Association, during his interview, discussed the future of his organisation and the development of sports in the State.

Here is a peek into the conversation:

What is the status of iron ore and manganese mines?

We have 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore mines annually. We are producing quality iron ore. It has been given a 6-star rating by the Indian Bureau of Mines and has been rated as ISO 75001: 2014, IS4O 9001: 2015, IS4O 18001: 2015.

Are there any plans to expand MGM’s Dhenkanal-based steel plant?

At Nimidha in Dhenkanal, we have installed a 350-tonne sponge iron and a 4-megawatt power plant. We are converting the plant into a mini-steel plant, employing 1,000 people directly to produce 40.25 million tonnes of steel TMT rods and wire rods.

What are your plans for solar and wind power projects?

Our company has plans to set up a 10 MW solar power project. We are also setting up a garment factory recruiting more than 1,000 women. There are big plans for the weaving sector. We will also set up a new unit at Bhadrak Weaving Park. Besides, our company plans to set up an ethanol factory in Boudh district.

MGM is quite active in the field of high-tech horticulture and agricultural processing. What are your plans for that department?

One of our affiliates has been connecting farmers with customers since 2013, processing vegetables, supplying processed vegetables to various institutions, and selling vegetables online.

What is the reason behind you being called a samaritan in times of crisis’?

It’s my job to help people in times of need and crisis. I find it quite satisfying and joyous. I think it’s God’s gift to me.

You are a culture-enthusiast.  What inspires your love for culture?

History accounts for our State’s rich cultural heritage. This reflects in our ancient temples as well. So, we have decided to spread our culture and heritage abroad and I am personally involved with various cultural institutions in the State.

Odisha T20 Cricket League is one of your campaigns. How is it going?

Our company is the title sponsor of the Odisha T20 Cricket League. It is being organised by the Odisha Cricket Association in collaboration with the Twenty First Century Media (TCM). It is a great platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents and play for the State and country. People are watching the matches on Fancode website.

What other plans do you have for the development of sports in Odisha?

Our company wants to set up a sports academy in the State for which we are in the process of acquiring land. Young talents will be enriched as emerging athletes here and they will represent the country.

What are the major MGM’s CSR programs for the development of the State?

Our company has set up MGM Chair Professor in Mining and Metal Engineering at IIT Bhubaneswar. Our company supports a variety of sports and cultural organisations. We regularly support the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). There are plans to set up a cardiac and neuro hospital near Bhubaneswar.

What do you think about Sambad’s Brands of Odisha Pride of India campaign?

This is an excellent initiative by the Sambad Group. This kind of branding is sure to acknowledge Odisha as one of the leading states in the country under the leadership of the Chief Minister. I would like to thank ‘Sambad’ Editor Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for introducing such a campaign that would bring better recognition to the State.