Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah to perform Bhoomi Pujan of the world’s largest curd production plant in Kolkata on 19 July

Why in news

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will perform the Bhoomi Pujan of the world’s largest curd production plant under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Kolkata, taking forward the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" and objectives of White Revolution 2.0.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Economy, Governance, Society, Disaster Management · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Amul Bengal Dairy Project involves an investment of approximately ₹700 crore.
2. The plant will be located at the Howrah Food Park in West Bengal.
3. It is projected to process 30 lakh litres of milk and produce 10 lakh kilograms of curd and other cultured dairy products per day.
4. More than 1.25 lakh milk-producing farmers in West Bengal, including over 30,000 women milk producers, are expected to benefit.
5. The Union Home Minister will also launch the e-RCS portal and inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of warehouses under the world’s largest grain storage programme.
6. An MoU is to be signed between Bharat Taxi and the Department of Information Technology and Electronics of the State Government for the expansion of mobility services in West Bengal.
7. The project aligns with the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" and the objectives of White Revolution 2.0.

Prelims pointers

• Amul Bengal Dairy Project location: Howrah Food Park, West Bengal.
• Investment for Amul Bengal Dairy Project: Approximately ₹700 crore.
• Daily milk processing capacity: 30 lakh litres.
• Daily curd and cultured dairy product production capacity: 10 lakh kilograms.
• Number of milk-producing farmers to benefit: Over 1.25 lakh (including 30,000+ women).
• Vision associated with the project: "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" and White Revolution 2.0.
• e-RCS portal and world's largest grain storage programme are other initiatives mentioned.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of cooperative models, exemplified by the Amul Bengal Dairy Project, in fostering rural economic development, empowering women, and achieving the objectives of the White Revolution. (150 words)

Static linkage

The news is linked to the cooperative movement in India, particularly the success of dairy cooperatives like Amul, and the broader goals of the White Revolution for increasing milk production and farmer income. It also touches upon government initiatives for strengthening the cooperative sector and food security through grain storage.

Significance

The Amul Bengal Dairy Project signifies a major boost to the dairy sector in West Bengal, promising enhanced processing capacity and value addition for milk producers. It is expected to significantly increase the income of over 1.25 lakh farmers, including a substantial number of women, thereby promoting rural economic development and women empowerment. The project, along with the e-RCS portal and grain storage program, underscores the government's focus on strengthening the cooperative sector, improving agricultural infrastructure, and ensuring food security, aligning with the vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi'.