Bhubaneswar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects worth ₹3,770 crore in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The projects include initiatives of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) and the state government, aimed at strengthening cooperative development and dairy infrastructure in the state.
During the event, Shah also inaugurated Sulphuric Acid Plant-III at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit in Paradip, describing it as a major step towards making India self-reliant in sulphuric acid production. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi were also present.
Expansion of Dairy Cooperatives
Addressing a cooperative development seminar, Shah said the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the Odisha government will jointly expand dairy cooperatives to every village in the state on the lines of the Amul model.
The initiative aims to integrate farmers into organised dairy networks, ensuring stable income and better procurement systems. The programme will particularly benefit rural communities and women involved in livestock farming.
Officials said the move would strengthen the state’s dairy sector and enhance market access for milk producers through cooperative institutions.
Major Development Projects Announced
According to Shah, 173 projects of the Odisha government were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid during the event.
- 61 projects worth ₹1,230 crore have already been completed.
- 112 projects worth ₹2,116 crore were launched on the day.
Additionally, three projects of the Ministry of Home Affairs and four projects of the Ministry of Cooperation were also inaugurated.
Forensic Science and Law Reforms
Shah also laid the foundation stone for a campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Odisha and inaugurated a temporary campus. The facility will offer around 30 courses and provide education to nearly 2,500 students, strengthening forensic investigation capacity in the country.
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He said Odisha has achieved a conviction rate of over 87% in FIRs registered under the new criminal laws, attributing the improvement to scientific investigation methods and forensic evidence.
Fertiliser Sector Boost
The newly inaugurated Sulphuric Acid Plant-III at IFFCO’s Paradip complex will significantly expand production capacity.
Shah said the facility would support fertiliser production and help reduce dependence on imports. IFFCO, along with Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), is working to make the country self-reliant in sulphuric acid for fertiliser manufacturing.
IFFCO currently has a turnover of over ₹41,000 crore and serves nearly five crore farmers, making it one of the largest cooperative institutions in the world.
Focus on Rural Development
The minister said Odisha has immense potential in dairy, fisheries and agriculture, and a new cooperative policy will soon be announced to strengthen these sectors.
He added that expanding dairy cooperatives would improve rural incomes and create employment, particularly for women in villages.
Shah also expressed confidence that Naxalism would be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026, and said the government is accelerating development in tribal and previously affected regions.
Economic Outlook
Highlighting India’s economic progress, Shah said the country has signed eight Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) since 2021 and continues to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with growth expected to remain around 8%.
He emphasised that cooperative institutions will play a key role in ensuring inclusive growth by connecting farmers, rural communities and industries to national development initiatives.
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