The Amul-style cooperative model is poised for expansion in Odisha, following a recent event where Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 3,770 crore. This initiative aims to bolster the cooperative sector’s role in transforming rural economies in the state.

The projects, which include efforts from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED), and the Odisha government, are designed to establish dairy cooperatives across villages in Odisha. Shah highlighted the significant potential for expanding dairy and fisheries activities through these cooperatives.

During the event, Shah noted that Amul, which operates a business worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore, has successfully empowered 3.6 million rural women in Gujarat. He stated, “Today in Gujarat, through 3.6 million rural women, Amul became a movement, and today Amul does business worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Its profit, down to every penny, goes to the women cattle herders of Gujarat.” This model serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives in other states.

In addition to the dairy projects, the event also marked the inauguration of a new sulphuric acid stream at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in Paradip. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperative frameworks across various sectors.

Union Minister George Kurian expressed support for transforming Kerala’s MatsyaFed into a national cooperative model akin to Amul. He stated, “If the Kerala government proposes a comprehensive development plan, the Centre would extend financial and technical support to scale up MatsyaFed into a nationwide cooperative framework.”

The cooperative sector has historically played a transformative role in strengthening rural and sectoral economies in India, and the current initiatives in Odisha are expected to further this trend.

As these projects unfold, the government aims to train approximately 2,500 students in forensic science through courses offered at the National Forensic Sciences University, alongside training for 690 beneficiaries in fisheries-related activities.

While the plans for expanding the cooperative model in Odisha are ambitious, details regarding the timeline and specific implementation strategies remain unconfirmed.

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