According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency India (BEE India), India is the second largest producer of cement in the world.

While the cement companies have made a lot of efforts in adopting the latest computerised digital techniques with Distributed Control System

Southern region, which had taken a lead in price hike actions recently, has been ahead of others in reversing their earlier actions too. This has affected the near term pricing sentiment of the overall market.

Ready-mix concrete segment is banking on the government's environmental initiatives to take off from the present level of activity in a big way.

Indian Cement Review organises a flagship cement industry event every two years, which incorporates a conference on relevant topics of the industry sector, and an exhibition called as "Cement Expo", which provides a wonderful opportunity to all stakeholders of the industry to showcase their products and services as applicable.

ICR Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 recipients recall how the industry was in yesteryears before it reached the present growth pace and stature in the economy.

There is no respite in growth in demand. Taking cue from this development, some medium and small players are testing the market with small hikes.

The organised segment continues to focus on innovative special concrete, quality and timely delivery, while the unorganised players tend to reduce the operating costs by lower compliances tax evasions and employing unskilled labour at cheaper costs, says Atul Desai.

Without cement, there is no concrete, and without concrete, there can be no construction. No wonder then, that cement has become synonymous with concrete and construction, and has come to represent nation building.