Amit Shah Announces Dairy Cooperative Expansion in Odisha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed the government's plans to establish a robust dairy cooperative network across villages in Odisha, modeled after the successful example in Gujarat. This announcement came during his visit to the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) facility in Paradeep, Odisha, where he inaugurated the third stream of the Sulphuric Acid Plant.

Shah emphasized that the initiative is designed to economically empower women fr om tribal and Other Backwards Class (OBC) communities by tapping into the potential of dairy cooperative systems. He highlighted that in Gujarat, 3.6 million rural women have transformed Amul into a significant business worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore, with profits benefitting women cattle herders directly.

Both the central and state governments will collaborate to implement this plan, aiming to replicate Gujarat's success in Odisha. This effort is part of a broader development strategy that includes enhancing local industries and resources, with a focus on rural and coastal areas.

In addition to promoting the dairy sector, Shah noted the importance of increasing fish farming through cooperative strength to boost seafood exports. He reinforced the central government's commitment to reducing India's dependency on imported fertiliser materials by expanding domestic production capabilities, as demonstrated by the IFFCO Paradeep plant's expansion.

Shah's visit marked his first public event in Odisha after the 2024 elections, wh ere he expressed gratitude for the support received by the Bharatiya Janata Party. He underscored the role of the 'double-engine government' in accelerating Odisha's development by leveraging its natural resources effectively.