Union Minister, Amit Shah, inaugurated a cutting-edge cattle feed plant with an impressive production capacity of 800 metric tons (MT) per day at Sabarkantha Dairy in Himmatnagar, Gujarat. The plant, established at a cost of Rs 210 crores, is set to modernize livestock nutrition in the region. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary.
During his address, Amit Shah highlighted the transformative journey of Sabar Dairy, which started as a modest initiative and has now grown into a significant cooperative movement supporting over 3.5 lakh families. Shah also praised the cooperative's role in empowering women, sharing stories of women who have achieved financial independence and dignity through their association with the dairy sector.
Shah acknowledged two cooperatives for exceptional milk production, noting that some have earned over Rs 1 crore annually from the trade. He highlighted the significance of the White Revolution, led by Amul, in promoting prosperity in villages and guaranteeing nutritional security. “India’s per capita milk production has risen from 40 kilograms annually in 1970 to 167 kilograms in 2023, the highest globally,” he added.
The minister strongly advocated for natural farming, describing it as a sustainable solution for farmers and society. He underlined the health and economic benefits of the practice, stressing its potential to combat chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Shah assured farmers that despite a marginal dip in yields during the first year, natural farming would enrich the soil and yield higher profits in subsequent years.
To support farmers adopting natural farming, Shah highlighted the establishment of the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL) and National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. These organizations aim to provide fair prices and global market access for organic produce.
Additionally, Shah lauded the success of Gujarat’s implementation of the Gobardhan Yojana, which converts livestock manure into nutrient-rich compost. Reflecting on Amul’s growth into a Rs 60,000 crore enterprise, he envisioned natural farming opening up a global organic market worth Rs 10 lakh crores for Indian farmers.
In Gandhinagar, Amit Shah inaugurated the Fila Vista-2024 Stamp Exhibition and paid homage to the iconic leaders of the Dandi March at the Dandi Kutir Museum. He also inaugurated the Shela Lake and Park in Sanand.
