Amul has announced a ₹700 crore investment in a dairy project in West Bengal, with state leaders highlighting the government’s pro-business policies and the project’s potential to boost the rural economy.
Amul Launches ₹700 Crore Dairy Project in West Bengal
A major boost to West Bengal’s dairy and rural sectors came on Sunday as Amul commenced work on its ₹700 crore dairy project in the state. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held in Kolkata, with state leaders and company officials expressing confidence that the investment would strengthen both the agricultural and industrial landscape of Bengal.
The project, which is expected to be completed and inaugurated within the next two years, marks one of the largest recent investments in the state’s dairy sector. Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta said the initiative reflects the government’s business-friendly approach while also benefiting rural communities that depend on dairy farming.
State Leaders Highlight ‘Double-Engine’ Development Model
Reacting to the investment announcement, West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee praised the Centre and the state leadership for creating an environment conducive to investment and development.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” Mukherjee said the vision was becoming a reality through the cooperation between the central and state governments.
“As Prime Minister Modi spoke of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,’ a vision that is visible today, we are witnessing its implementation through the double-engine government, with support from the Centre and the leadership of Suvendu Adhikari,” Mukherjee said.
The minister pointed to the scale of investments attracted by West Bengal over the past two months, describing the pace of development as “astonishing.”
Amul MD Praises Bengal’s Pro-Business Environment
Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta described the state government’s approach as “decidedly pro-business,” emphasizing that the dairy industry plays a crucial role in supporting rural communities.
“This is a very positive factor. The approach adopted by this government is decidedly pro-business, and since dairy is inherently pro-rural, Amul embodies a combination of both,” Mehta said.
According to him, although the immediate investment in the dairy project stands at ₹700 crore, the larger impact extends far beyond the plant itself. Mehta highlighted that around ₹40,000 crore has already flowed into the rural economy through direct payments to farmers.
He added that the project is expected to significantly enhance milk procurement, processing capacity, and employment opportunities in the region.
Project Expected to Boost Rural Economy
The upcoming dairy facility is expected to provide substantial benefits to thousands of farmers across West Bengal. Dairy cooperatives often create stable income opportunities for rural households by ensuring regular procurement and timely payments.
Mehta noted that the project’s influence would not be limited to urban markets but would directly strengthen the rural economy by connecting farmers to a larger dairy network.
The Amul chief also revealed that, in addition to the ongoing ₹700 crore project, the company plans to begin work on two more projects in the state that are currently under consideration.
Inauguration Planned Within Two Years
The foundation-laying ceremony for the dairy project has already been completed, and construction activities are expected to begin soon. According to Amul officials, the facility is scheduled to become operational within the next two years.
Industry experts believe that the investment could further expand West Bengal’s dairy infrastructure and improve market access for local producers. The project is also expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases.
The investment announcement comes at a time when several states are competing to attract industrial and agricultural investments, particularly in sectors linked to rural development and food processing.
Key Takeaways
- Amul has announced a ₹700 crore investment in a dairy project in West Bengal.
- The project is expected to be inaugurated within the next two years.
- Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee credited the “double-engine” government for attracting investments.
- Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta described West Bengal as a pro-business state.
- The company also plans to begin work on two additional projects in the future.
FAQs
How much is Amul investing in West Bengal?
Amul has announced an investment of ₹700 crore for its dairy project in the state.
When will the project be completed?
According to Amul, the project is expected to be inaugurated within the next two years.
What did Amul MD Jayen Mehta say about the investment?
He said that West Bengal has adopted a pro-business approach and highlighted the dairy sector’s role in supporting rural communities.
What impact will the project have on farmers?
The project is expected to boost milk procurement, strengthen the rural economy, and create new opportunities for farmers and local communities.
