Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Cooperation and Home Affairs, recently inaugurated several important dairy and cooperative projects in Gujarat. This event marked a significant milestone in the cooperative sector. The launch included the expansion of Amul’s chocolate plant in Mogar and a new cheese plant in Khatraj. Together, these projects are worth over Rs 400 crore.
The Mogar chocolate plant received an investment of Rs 105 crore, while the cheese plant was expanded with Rs 260 crore. This development is expected to enhance production capabilities and support local farmers.
During the event, Shah praised the new cooperative initiative in salt production, noting that it fills a gap in the cooperative movement. He commended Humbalbhai, who has been instrumental in establishing the Kutch District Cooperative Salt Federation. This initiative aims to ensure fair profits for traditional salt workers known as Agariyas. Shah emphasized that this move represents a community-led model that benefits everyone involved.
Shah also highlighted the importance of women in the cooperative sector. Currently, 36 lakh women in Gujarat contribute to Amul’s operations, with an additional 20 lakh women across India. Thanks to their efforts, Amul’s turnover has reached Rs 80,000 crore, and it is predicted to surpass Rs 1 lakh crore next year. Shah remarked that the profits from Amul directly benefit 56 lakh women, showcasing the cooperative model’s success in uplifting communities.
Gujarat has one of the largest and most diverse cooperative sectors in India. With more than 83,000 cooperative societies, it encompasses various areas such as agriculture, dairy, sugar, and marketing. The Anand Pattern dairy model, which includes major players like Amul and Dudhsagar Dairy, supports millions of milk producers and processes over 24 lakh litres of milk daily.
The minister urged cooperative leaders to focus on transparency, technology adoption, and member interests. He stressed that without transparency, the cooperative spirit suffers. He also pointed out that technology is crucial for success in today’s competitive environment.
Amit Shah announced ten new initiatives during the event, including the establishment of the Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation. This federation will work towards creating a more organized market for dairy products, ensuring fair prices for milk, and promoting a circular economy within the sector.
The minister encouraged cooperative bodies to embrace the five ‘P’s: people, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), platforms, policy, and prosperity. He explained that these elements are essential for the growth and success of the cooperative sector. The cooperative movement has seen a considerable increase in the number of women-led dairy cooperatives, which rose by 21% from 2020 to 2025.
In addition to dairy projects, Shah announced the registration of two lakh new PACS and the establishment of India’s first national cooperative university. These developments aim to strengthen the cooperative structure in India and provide better support to farmers and members.
The event also featured a tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, highlighting his contributions to the nation. Amit Shah noted that Mookerjee played a significant role in integrating Kashmir into India.
The cooperative sector is vital for the economic development of the country. It not only supports farmers and workers but also contributes to the overall growth of the Indian economy. With continued efforts in transparency and technology, the future of the cooperative movement looks promising.