Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah marked a significant occasion by laying the foundation stone for the headquarters of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) Limited in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event also saw Shri Shah addressing the e-Market Awards 2023 ceremony, attended by various dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and IFFCO Chairman Shri Dilip Sanghani.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah underscored the multi-dimensional achievements of the dairy sector, especially through cooperative efforts. He highlighted the transformative impact of cooperative trading on milk production, emphasizing that it benefits not only milk producers but also society, agriculture, villages, and the nation as a whole. Shah acknowledged India’s success story in cooperative dairy over the last 50 years.
The Union Home Minister emphasized that when the cooperative sector engages in the dairy business, the primary beneficiaries are the milk producers, as they are protected from exploitation. He explained that cooperatives enable small-scale milk producers to access cold storage, processing facilities, and market exploration. This cooperative approach ensures fair profits for those involved in milk production.
“Shri Amit Shah further discussed the advantages of cooperative dairying, including the improved health and well-being of animals. He highlighted the role of District Milk Producers Associations in implementing measures for breed improvement, health enhancement, and ensuring a balanced diet for animals. Additionally, he noted that cooperative dairying contributes to the nutrition movement, citing examples of dairies addressing the health needs of malnourished children and pregnant women”.
Reflecting on India’s journey in the dairy sector, Shri Amit Shah praised the remarkable success achieved in milk production. He recounted the origins of the white revolution in 1946, inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Tribhuvan Bhai, leading to the establishment of cooperative dairies. Today, Indian dairies, exemplified by Amul, process millions of liters of milk daily, with a significant impact on the country’s economy.
The Minister of Cooperation acknowledged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s contributions to various revolutions in the country, including the digital revolution. Shri Shah highlighted the success of India’s online payment system, showcasing the nation’s rapid growth in digital transactions. He expressed pride in India’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies in digital transactions globally.
Awards were presented at the ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions to promoting e-markets in the dairy industry. Shri Amit Shah urged NCDFI members to strive for 100 percent business in e-markets. He shared a successful experiment in Gujarat, involving Rupay cards for farmers and the integration of village dairies with banking services, emphasizing the potential for a cashless economy in the agriculture sector.
