Amit Shah promises Gujarat-like growth model for Odisha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated a new sulphuric acid plant at the premises of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in Paradip, highlighting the Centre’s focus on industrial growth and rural development in Odisha. 

The plant has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 750 crore. The event was attended by Odisha CM Mohan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with several state ministers, including the Cooperation and Industries Ministers, and the Member of Parliament from Jagatsinghpur.

Improving Environmental Efficiency

According to officials, the newly inaugurated plant will have the capacity to produce 2,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid per day. The facility is expected to significantly boost industrial output while also improving environmental efficiency.

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Authorities said the project would help reduce pollution levels by nearly 50 per cent and lower dependence on coal usage by around 500 million metric tonnes. In addition, the plant is likely to reduce the need to import nearly six lakh metric tonnes of sulphuric acid, which could help save substantial foreign exchange.

Odisha Steadily Progressing

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said Odisha is progressing steadily under the current government and will witness development similar to Gujarat in the coming years. He stated that with the blessings of the people, the BJP government in Odisha is working in the right direction to accelerate growth and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

Shah also highlighted the success of India’s dairy cooperative model, stating that around 36 lakh rural women have contributed to building the Amul movement, and similar initiatives could strengthen rural livelihoods in Odisha. He added that Odisha has the potential to emerge as one of the country’s developed states.

Describing IFFCO as a matter of pride for the nation, Shah said it is the world’s largest cooperative organisation, owned by nearly five crore farmers, and plays a crucial role in supporting India’s agricultural sector.