Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah performs Bhoomi Pujan for the world’s largest curd manufacturing plant under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Kolkata

Why in news

The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the world's largest curd manufacturing plant under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Kolkata, highlighting government initiatives for agricultural and cooperative development in West Bengal.

Exam relevance

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

Key facts

1. Bhoomi Pujan was performed for the world's largest curd manufacturing plant under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project in Kolkata.
2. The plant will process 10 lakh litres of milk daily.
3. It is expected to benefit 1.20 lakh milk-producing livestock rearers.
4. The plant is being established on 30 acres of land provided free of cost to Amul.
5. The initiative aims to ensure livestock rearers receive the highest possible price for their milk.
6. For every rupee spent by an Amul consumer, 87 paise will go directly to livestock rearers.
7. The Government of India will establish an initiative for animal breed improvement in Bengal, including a Sex-Sorted Semen facility.
8. Benefits of more than 70 farmer-welfare schemes of the Ministry of Cooperation will reach Bengal’s farmers within six months.
9. An MoU has been signed under the 'Sarathi' concept to connect Bengal’s taxis with Bharat Taxi, enabling taxi drivers to become owners.

Prelims pointers

• The world's largest curd manufacturing plant is being established in Kolkata under the Amul Bengal Dairy Project.
• The plant will have a processing capacity of 10 lakh litres of milk per day.
• The initiative aims to benefit 1.20 lakh milk-producing livestock rearers.
• A Sex-Sorted Semen facility will be established in Bengal for animal breed improvement.
• The 'Sarathi' concept aims to connect taxis with a national taxi aggregator for ownership opportunities for drivers.

Mains practice question

Examine the significance of the Amul model of dairy cooperative in enhancing the socio-economic status of livestock rearers. Critically analyze the potential impact of establishing the world's largest curd manufacturing plant in West Bengal on the state's agricultural economy and rural development.

Static linkage

The Amul model of dairy cooperative, originating in Gujarat, has been a significant success in India's agricultural sector. This project in West Bengal signifies an expansion of this model and government efforts to promote cooperative societies and farmer-centric initiatives, aligning with the broader goals of rural development and economic empowerment.

Significance

The establishment of the world's largest curd manufacturing plant signifies a major boost to the dairy sector in West Bengal, potentially increasing farmer incomes and creating employment opportunities. The focus on direct benefit transfer to livestock rearers and the provision of animal breed improvement facilities highlight the government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural cooperative structure. The 'Sarathi' concept for taxi drivers indicates a broader application of cooperative principles beyond agriculture.