Valsad/Gir Somnath: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the revival and modernization of three sugar mills in Gir Somnath and Valsad, Gujarat, marking a significant step towards boosting the rural economy and ensuring prosperity for thousands of farmers.
Addressing the event, Amit Shah emphasized that the initiative fulfills Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the agricultural sector. He highlighted that the revival of these mills will benefit over 10,000 farmers, ensuring increased productivity and economic stability in the region.
The sugar mills are being revived through Indian Potash Limited (IPL), which is 60% owned by cooperatives. Shah praised the initiative, stating that PM Modi has successfully transformed India’s farmers from food producers to energy producers by integrating ethanol production into cooperative sugar mills. He noted that this shift will not only ensure food security but also help reduce India’s petroleum import bill, with plans to expand ethanol production and enter the global bio-fuel export market.
Highlighting the technological advancements being introduced, Shah said that Indian Potash Limited is supporting sugarcane farmers by providing high-yield seeds, modern harvesting machines, drone-based fertilizer spraying, drip irrigation systems, and ethanol production facilities. He stated that the goal is to utilize sugarcane for ethanol, compressed biogas, and organic fertilizer production, ensuring a sustainable and profitable model for farmers.
Shah also emphasized the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector, noting that the budget for agriculture has increased from ₹22,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.37 lakh crore in 2023-24. Similarly, the loans given to farmers have surged from ₹8.5 lakh crore to ₹25.5 lakh crore, reflecting PM Modi’s dedication to their welfare. He also highlighted that despite rising global fertilizer prices, the government has continued to provide subsidies on DAP fertilizers for the past decade, ensuring affordability for farmers.
Expressing optimism about the impact of the revived sugar mills, Shah stated that once these factories begin full-fledged operations, they will open new avenues of prosperity for farmers. He urged farmers to embrace drip irrigation techniques to conserve water and maximize productivity, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable and modern agricultural practices.
