Delhi, 8 March (H.S.): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today addressed the program for the revival and modernization of three sugar mills in Gir Somnath and Valsad, Gujarat.

In his address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to farmers is being realized with the revival of a sugar mill, promising prosperity for over 10,000 farmers in the region.

Under Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of Cooperation has initiated measures benefiting millions of farmers in an agriculture-centric nation. The revival of three sugar mills, executed via Indian Potash Limited (holding 60% cooperative shares), is a key initiative. Shah noted that these mills will convert food-producing farmers into energy-producing ones through ethanol production, thus aiding food security and reducing petroleum imports.

He highlighted the goal of increasing ethanol production for global export. The revival brings significant changes to farmers’ lives, achieved through collaboration among Indian Potash Limited, the State Cooperative Bank, and government bodies. Indian Potash has also introduced innovations for sugarcane farmers, such as new seeds, harvesting machines, drone fertilizer spraying, and drip irrigation systems, alongside establishing factories for ethanol and gas production.

Amit Shah commended Modi’s commitment to farmer welfare, noting a substantial increase in the agricultural budget from ₹22,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.37 lakh crore in 2023-24 and an increase in farmer loans from ₹8.5 lakh crore to ₹25.5 lakh crore. He pointed out Modi’s efforts to maintain stable DAP prices through subsidies.

Amit Shah reiterated the significance of new schemes for farmers, including fertilizers, irrigation, and credit, emphasizing the necessity for collective action in promoting water-saving practices like drip irrigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar