Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the groundwork for several projects totaling more than Rs. 1,000 crores at Sabar Dairy in Gadhoda Chowki, Sabarkantha, Gujarat. These projects will increase the income of local farmers and milk producers. This will also help the rural economy in the region.
PM congratulated Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme beneficiaries and top female milk producers. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel was among those in attendance. The Prime Minister told the audience that "today Sabar Dairy has expanded." Here, new projects worth hundreds of crores are being developed. Sabar Dairy's capacity will be expanded further with the addition of a modern milk powder plant and one more line in the aseptic packing section.”
He recalled the deprivation and drought that existed two decades ago. He recalled how, as Chief Minister, he sought the cooperation of the people and attempted to improve the situation in the region. He stated that the key component of those efforts was cattle rearing and dairying. He also discussed steps for promoting animal husbandry, such as providing fodder and medicine, as well as promoting Ayurvedic treatment for cattle. He mentioned the Gujarat Jyotigram Scheme as a development catalyst.
The Prime Minister noted with pride that the dairy market in Gujarat has reached 1 lakh crore rupees as a result of efforts over the last two decades. He recalled his previous visits in 2007 and 2011, as well as his request to increase female participation. Women are now well represented on the majority of committees. He claims that the majority of milk payments are made to women.
The country is currently in the process of forming 10,000 Farmer Producer Associations (FPOs). Small farmers will be able to connect directly with the food processing, value-added export, and supply chain through these FPOs. Gujarat's farmers will also benefit greatly from it, he claims. He stated that the strategy of diversifying farmers' income is bearing fruit. Farmers earn a good living from horticulture, fishing, and honey production. For the first time, Khadi and Gramodyog's revenue has surpassed one lakh crore. In villages, more than 1.5 crore new jobs were created in this sector.
Increased ethanol blending in gasoline, for example, is opening up new opportunities for farmers. "Until 2014, the country blended less than 400 million litres of ethanol." It is now approaching 400 crore litres. In the last two years, our government has also distributed Kisan Credit Cards to over 3 crore farmers through a special campaign," he added.
According to him, steps such as neem-coating urea, reopening closed fertilizer plants, promoting nano fertilizers, and ensuring urea availability at affordable prices despite global price increases benefited the country's and Gujarat's farmers. Many tehsils in Sabarkantha district now have access to water thanks to the Sujlam Suflam Scheme. Similarly, he stated that connectivity in the district and surrounding areas has increased on an unprecedented scale. Railway and highway projects have improved regional connectivity. According to him, this connectivity benefits tourism and creates jobs for the youth.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by recalling the sacrifice of local tribal leaders. The Prime Minister stated that the government has declared Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji's birth anniversary on November 15th as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. "Our government is also constructing a special museum to honour tribal freedom fighters from across the country."
