India’s chemicals & petrochemicals sector created 3.7 lakh jobs in the last 12 years: Govt

New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) The three Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs) set up over the past 12 years at Dahej in Gujarat, Visakhapatnam–Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, and Paradeep in Odisha have attracted investments of Rs 3.4 lakh crore, generated over 3.7 lakh jobs, and facilitated the establishment of more than 2,200 chemical manufacturing units, according to a factsheet issued by the government on Wednesday.

India’s FDI policy, allowing 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route for most chemical sectors, has supported investment in the sector. FDI inflow during 2014–2026 stood at Rs. 1,04,895 crores, which is more than twice the FDI received during 2004–2014 at Rs. 45,240 crores, the factsheet states.

In the Union Budget 2026–27, the government also announced a scheme to establish three Chemical Parks on a cluster-based plug-and-play model to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and enhance global competitiveness. The Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan) for setting up three Chemical Parks, with a provision of over Rs 3,030 crore. The proposed parks are expected to support the chemical sector and the integrated circular economy principle.

The Centre’s Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals has expanded infrastructure support for downstream plastic processing industries. As many as 10 Plastic Parks have been approved across the country, out of which four have achieved 100 per cent infrastructure completion, including three being completed during 2025–26. Furthermore, the department has expanded the network of the Centre of Excellence to support research and innovation. The 18 Centres of Excellence have filed 85 patents, published over 600 research papers, and developed 105 new technologies and products.

The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) has also expanded its network and facilities by establishing the Centre for Skilling and Technical Support, the Plastic Waste Management Centre, the School of Advanced Research in Petrochemicals, the Advanced Research School for Technology and Product Simulation, and the Advanced Polymer Design and Development Research Laboratory.

The CIPET network has expanded to 51 centres, including 19 established since 2014. It has trained nearly 6.72 lakh skilled professionals, including over 5.21 lakh during 2014-24, and completed 8.53 lakh technology support service assignments during 2014-24.

Besides, over the last 12 years, the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, has developed capabilities in sustainable crop protection, agrochemical formulation, and advanced analytical sciences. Equipped with laboratories and pilot-scale facilities, IPFT has developed and transferred 64 pesticide formulation technologies to the industry. The Institute is NABL-accredited and an OECD-GLP-compliant Test Facility.

The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals is also promoting safe and judicious use of pesticides in crops through awareness programs conducted by HIL (India) Limited, a PSU under the Department, and the IPFT, an autonomous body under the Department. Both organisations are conducting farmers’ training programmes on the safe and judicious use of pesticides and promoting the adoption of Integrated Pest Management Practices to minimise pesticide residue in food grains, edible oils, fruits, and vegetables. Till date, more than 250 programmes have been organised, benefiting more than one lakh farmers across the country, the statement added.

–IANS

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