Odisha Records Strong Growth in Crude Steel Production
Output rises 18.8% in April–October period, Centre highlights push for green steel
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has reported a sharp rise in crude steel production during the current financial year, reflecting the state’s growing importance in India’s steel sector. Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that Odisha produced 18.07 million tonnes of crude steel between April and October 2025.
This marks an increase of 18.8 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year.
Steel Production Growth in Odisha
Replying to a question raised by MP Debashish Samantaray, the minister said the steady growth in steel output shows strong industrial activity in the state. Odisha remains one of the country’s leading steel-producing states due to the availability of iron ore, large integrated plants, and expanding private investments.
The minister also noted that steel production trends depend on market demand, raw material availability, and individual company decisions, as the steel sector in India is deregulated.
Government Push for Green Steel
The minister said the central government has taken several steps to promote green and low-emission steel production across India, including Odisha. One key initiative is the release of a green steel taxonomy, which provides clear standards to define and classify low-carbon steel.
This framework is aimed at encouraging cleaner production methods and supporting India’s long-term climate goals.
Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Initiatives
As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government has awarded four pilot projects for using hydrogen in steel manufacturing. These projects are expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions in the steel sector.
In addition, the National Solar Mission, launched in 2010 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, continues to promote the use of solar power in industries, including steel plants. Increased use of renewable energy is seen as a key step towards reducing emissions from steel production.
Policies to Support Recycling and Sustainability
The minister also highlighted policy measures aimed at improving recycling and resource efficiency. The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, notified in 2019, promotes organised scrap processing and reuse of steel.
Further, the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, require vehicle manufacturers to meet annual scrapping targets based on vehicle types and material recovery. These rules are expected to increase the availability of steel scrap and support circular economy practices.
Support for MSME Steel Units
The government has also taken steps to ensure steady iron ore supply to micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) steel units. These include mining and mineral policy reforms, faster operationalisation of non-working and forfeited mines, and increased production by central public sector iron ore producers.
These measures aim to reduce raw material shortages and help smaller steel units remain competitive.
Roadmap Towards Net-Zero Emissions
Replying to another question by MP Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, the minister said the steel ministry has released a report titled “Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan.” The report is based on the recommendations of 14 task forces set up by the ministry.
The document outlines a long-term strategy for green steel production and sustainability, aligned with India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
With rising production and supportive policies for cleaner technologies, Odisha is expected to continue playing a key role in India’s steel growth. The combined focus on industrial expansion, renewable energy, hydrogen use, and recycling is likely to shape the future of steel manufacturing in the state while balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
