New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday praised the Bhupendra Patel-led Gujarat government for announcing the biggest-ever relief package of Rs. 10,000 crore for farmers affected by unseasonal rains.

After inaugurating the Shri Motibhai R. Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School (MRCSSS) and the Sagar Organic Plant in Gujarat via video conferencing, Shah said, “Gujarat witnessed heavy unseasonal rains, the likes of which have not been seen in decades, leading to significant losses for farmers. I would like to congratulate Bhupendra Patel and his cabinet for announcing such a massive relief package for farmers.”

He added, “When I received the figures, ₹22,000 per hectare, I called Bhupendra Bhai and asked whether the finance department could manage such a huge amount. He told me that while costs would be cut where possible, the Gujarat government would not look back when it comes to supporting farmers. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations for setting a benchmark for other states.”

Shah also expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent car explosion in Delhi. He stated that all those responsible for the terrorist incident will face strict punishment. “The punishment for the culprits of the Delhi car blast will send a message to the world that no terrorist should even dare to attempt such acts in India,” he added.

Highlighting India’s global fight against terrorism, Shah said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s efforts against terrorism have been recognized worldwide over the past 11 years. All those who committed this cowardly act and those behind it will be brought to justice and given the strictest possible punishment. The Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs are fully committed to this cause.”

Speaking about the inaugurations, Shah said that Motibhai Chaudhary is an ideal and inspiration for all citizens of Mansa. “Motibhai led a life based on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, honest, transparent, and devoted to spreading these values among countless people. During that time, great visionaries worked to open doors of prosperity for cattle rearers, farmers, and villages in Gujarat. Today, Amul has become the world’s number one cooperative brand, built on the foundations laid by eminent personalities of that era.”

He further elaborated on the Sagar Sainik School, established in Motibhai Chaudhary’s name, stating that it will provide children from several districts of Gujarat the opportunity to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Spread over 11 acres, the school has been built at a cost of ₹50 crore and features smart classrooms, hostels, a library, and a canteen. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country under the PPP model. The Motibhai Chaudhary Sainik School will certainly become a symbol of pride for Mehsana,” he said.

Regarding the Sagar Organic Plant, Shah said, “This plant is crucial to ensure that reliable organic products under the Amul brand reach consumers across India and the world, while providing fair profits to farmers engaged in organic farming. The plant has a daily capacity of 30 metric tons and is certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and APEDA, enabling farmers in North Gujarat to access global markets. The expansion of this plant will improve citizens’ health and increase farmers’ income.”

Shah urged farmers and their families to use organic products to maintain health. He highlighted that in 1960, Doodhsagar Dairy collected just 3,300 liters of milk per day, which has now grown to 35 lakh liters daily, connected to 1,250 villages in Gujarat and over 10 lakh milk production groups across Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Its turnover has reached ₹8,000 crore, and the dairy now operates 8 modern dairies, 2 milk chilling centers, 2 cattle feed plants, and 1 cement production unit, playing a major role in Gujarat’s White Revolution.

Shah said that Banaskantha and Doodhsagar Dairy together have provided a model for transforming the dairy economy. He noted initiatives such as forming 75,000 new primary dairy cooperative societies across India and ensuring that 50% of the milk produced reaches national and international markets, benefiting cattle rearers.

He emphasized that to ensure the benefits of the circular economy reach cattle rearers across Gujarat and the country, the government has established three multi-state cooperative societies. He also highlighted that 70% of Amul’s turnover comes from women, mothers and sisters, who have become self-reliant through it. Shah concluded by praising the Gujarat government’s generous relief package for farmers affected by unseasonal heavy rains, saying that it reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers without hesitation.

DeshGujarat