NewKerala.com

Key Points

India's eight core infrastructure industries expanded by 2.9% in February 2025, continuing their growth momentum. Cement and fertilizer sectors led the charge with double-digit growth rates of 10.5% and 10.2% respectively. The steel industry also showed robust performance with 5.6% monthly growth. Overall cumulative growth for April-February period stands at 4.4%, indicating steady industrial recovery.

Key Points: India's core sector grows 2.9% in February led by cement and steel

  • Cement production jumps 10.5% in February
  • Fertilizer output grows 10.2% year-on-year
  • Steel sector records 5.6% monthly growth
  • Cumulative core sector growth at 4.4% for FY25
2 min read

Core sector industries clock 2.9 pc growth in Feb: Centre

Eight core industries show steady growth with cement surging 10.5% and steel rising 5.6% in February, as per Commerce Ministry data

"The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April-February stands at 4.4% - Ministry of Commerce and Industry"

New Delhi, March 28

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 2.9 per cent in February, as the production of cement, fertilisers, steel, electricity, coal and refinery products recorded positive growth, according to data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday.

The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for November 2024 was observed at 5.8 per cent.

The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to February, 2024-25 is 4.4 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, according to the ministry.

Coal production increased by 1.7 per cent last month over February, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 5.6 per cent during April to February, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Steel production increased by 5.6 per cent in February and its cumulative index increased by 6.5 per cent during April to February, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Petroleum refinery production increased by 0.8 per cent in February, 2025 over February, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 3.1 per cent during April to February, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Fertiliser production increased by 10.2 per cent last month and its cumulative index increased by 2.4 per cent during April to February, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Cement production was up by 10.5 per cent and its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to February.

According to the ministry, electricity generation increased by 2.8 per cent in February, 2025 over February, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 4.9 per cent during April to February 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see positive growth across multiple sectors! The 10.5% jump in cement production is particularly impressive. Hope this momentum continues 💪
P
Priya M.
While the numbers look decent, I wish the refinery production growth was stronger. Only 0.8% increase seems quite low compared to other sectors. The government should focus more on energy infrastructure.
S
Sanjay T.
Fertilizer sector showing 10.2% growth is excellent news for our farmers! More production means better availability and hopefully stable prices for the upcoming sowing season 🌾
A
Anjali R.
The cumulative 4.4% growth is promising, but I wonder how much of this is seasonal variation vs real economic recovery. Would love to see more detailed analysis from experts.
V
Vikram S.
Steel and cement numbers looking strong! This indicates good construction activity across the country. Infrastructure development seems to be picking up pace 🏗️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50