Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh is expected to witness business worth between Rs 12,000 crore and Rs 14,000 crore during Diwali, with strong demand for indigenous products, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has estimated.

According to the trade body’s preliminary assessment, markets across the state are expected to see brisk purchases in seven to 10 days before the festival.

CAIT Bhopal president and Madhya Pradesh state media in-charge Dharmendra Sharma said in a statement on Friday that growing interest in indigenous products, greater encouragement for buying from local traders and consumers’ purchasing power were among the key factors expected to boost business.

He said markets in major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain, as well as tier-II cities including Sagar, Rewa, Satna, Ratlam, Dewas, Katni, Chhindwara and Khandwa, were expected to witness good sales.

Local businesses in smaller towns and rural markets are also likely to benefit from purchases of clothes, groceries, sweets, puja items and household essentials, he said.

The state is expected to clock sales of Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 14,000 crore during the festival, he said.

The sector-wise estimate projects business worth around Rs 2,200 crore in textiles and readymade garments, Rs 2,000 crore in gold, silver and jewellery, Rs 1,700 crore in automobiles, Rs 1,300 crore in electronics and household appliances, Rs 1,100 crore in groceries and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and Rs 900 crore in sweets and savouries.

CAIT’s estimate also puts trade in gift items and home decor at Rs 800 crore, puja items and dry fruits at Rs 650 crore, firecrackers at Rs 600 crore, furniture and furnishings at Rs 550 crore, footwear at Rs 350 crore and other commercial activities at around Rs 1,850 crore.

Sharma said the firecracker trade was expected to remain relatively subdued this year due to growing environmental awareness, regulations, and the availability of green crackers.

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He appealed to people to give preference to domestically manufactured products and buy from local traders during Diwali, saying this would strengthen small and medium businesses, generate local employment and boost the state's economy.