Howrah, July 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the foundation stone ceremony and performed the bhoomi pujan for Amul’s ambitious ₹700 crore dairy project in Sankrail, Howrah, describing it as a transformative initiative for West Bengal’s agricultural economy and dairy sector. The facility, expected to become the world’s largest curd production plant, is set to significantly expand milk processing capacity while providing a stable source of income for thousands of dairy farmers across the state.
The event marked the final engagement of Shah’s three day visit to West Bengal, during which he also reviewed governance, internal security, and developmental initiatives with the newly elected BJP led state government headed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Major Investment in Dairy Infrastructure
The upcoming Amul facility represents one of the largest investments in the dairy sector in eastern India. Once operational, the plant will process nearly 30 lakh litres of milk every day and manufacture approximately 10 lakh kilograms of curd and other cultured dairy products daily, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind globally.
Officials said the project has been designed to strengthen the cooperative dairy ecosystem while ensuring a reliable market for milk producers across West Bengal.
The investment is expected to create employment opportunities in processing, transportation, logistics, packaging, cold-chain management and allied sectors, contributing to the state’s rural economy.
Support for Dairy Farmers
According to the Union Home Minister, the dairy project is expected to directly benefit more than 1.25 lakh milk producers, including nearly 30,000 women dairy farmers, by improving procurement systems and ensuring better returns for their produce.
He stated that expanding the cooperative dairy network would help enhance rural incomes while encouraging sustainable livestock farming practices throughout the state.
Shah noted that the Centre would continue supporting livestock development through the Department of Animal Husbandry, with additional efforts aimed at improving productivity, veterinary services and market access for dairy farmers.
Political Change and Development
Addressing the gathering virtually, Shah said the recent political transition in West Bengal represented a significant shift that had opened new opportunities for development and investment.
He remarked that the state had historically played a leading role in India’s educational, cultural and spiritual heritage and had produced several eminent national leaders and freedom fighters.
According to Shah, the current administration has renewed efforts toward rebuilding the vision of a prosperous “Sonar Bangla” by focusing on infrastructure, governance reforms and economic growth.
Reference to Historical Legacy
During his address, Shah recalled West Bengal’s rich contribution to India’s freedom movement and intellectual tradition.
He referred to influential personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Aurobindo, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Khudiram Bose, stating that the state has historically inspired the nation through its cultural, spiritual and nationalist movements.
He observed that preserving this legacy while promoting economic development remains an important objective for the present government.
Discussion on Security and Governance
The Home Minister said his three day visit also included meetings with senior officials regarding governance and internal security.
According to Shah, discussions focused on strengthening border security, preventing illegal infiltration, improving law and order, and enhancing women’s safety across the state.
He said coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state government would continue to address security-related challenges while accelerating developmental initiatives.
Amul’s Expansion in Eastern India
Highlighting the significance of the project, Shah said the new dairy facility would strengthen Amul’s presence in eastern India and create a modern processing ecosystem capable of handling increasing milk production.
He added that cooperative dairy models have played a crucial role in improving rural livelihoods across several states and expressed confidence that West Bengal would also benefit from similar growth.
The project is expected to encourage farmers to increase milk production by assuring regular procurement and improved pricing mechanisms.
Chief Minister Highlights Industrial Growth
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the investment as a reflection of growing industrial confidence in West Bengal.
He said the state government remains committed to attracting large-scale investments in manufacturing, food processing and agriculture-based industries to generate employment and strengthen the economy.
According to the Chief Minister, the government extended full support for establishing the project by facilitating land allocation and administrative approvals, enabling timely implementation.
He added that such investments would improve infrastructure while creating long-term opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and young job seekers.
Boost to Cooperative Economy
Industry experts believe the dairy project could significantly strengthen West Bengal’s cooperative dairy network by increasing procurement capacity and encouraging scientific dairy farming.
With higher processing capability, farmers are expected to gain improved market access, reduced wastage and greater income stability.
The integrated dairy ecosystem surrounding the project is also likely to stimulate growth in fodder cultivation, transportation services, cold storage facilities, veterinary healthcare and rural entrepreneurship.
Employment and Rural Development
Beyond dairy production, the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Experts note that investments in food processing often create multiplier effects by supporting packaging industries, logistics providers, equipment manufacturers and local service businesses.
Women self help groups and small scale entrepreneurs engaged in milk collection and dairy-related activities are also expected to benefit from expanded cooperative participation.