New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the country’s first cooperative compressed biogas plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra, on Sunday, highlighting the Narendra Modi government’s farmer-centric initiatives. The plant represents a major step in promoting green energy and strengthening India’s cooperative sector.
Calling the occasion a “proud moment for the nation,” Shah said Prime Minister Modi has transformed the cooperative movement into a driving force for rural economic empowerment. “By establishing the cooperative sector, PM Modi has created a new lifeline for the rural economy, making it a strong pillar of India’s development,” he added.
Shah noted that 15 cooperative sugar factories across India, supported by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), will be selected to develop similar biogas initiatives, fostering sustainable rural industries.
The Home Minister also highlighted the recently launched ‘Dalhan Atmanirbharta Project,’ a Rs 11,340-crore mission aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulses. Under this project, farmers growing pigeon pea, black gram, and red lentils can sell their produce at Minimum Support Price (MSP) through NAFED and NCCF, with 100 percent procurement guaranteed. Additionally, 1,000 processing units will be set up, and 38 lakh high-quality seed kits will be distributed to farmers.
Shah emphasized PM Modi’s commitment to sustainability, urging citizens to participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting two trees—one for Mother Earth and one in honor of their mother. He also highlighted recent MSP increases for masoor, mustard, and chana, and underscored the government’s efforts to make India self-reliant while promoting eco-friendly development.