In an effort to support the Union Ministry of Cooperation’s initiative for the world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector, the fertilizer cooperative IFFCO has entered a tripartite agreement with Nabard Consultancy Service (NABCONS) and Palitana Gram Seva Sahakari Mandali in Gujarat.
The agreement involves the construction of a 500 metric ton rural warehouse, signed in the presence of Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, IFFCO MD Dr. U S Awasthi, Marketing Director Yogendra Kumar, Indian Potash Limited Managing Director P S Gahlaut, and others.
Awasthi announced the agreement on social media, stating that the rural warehouse aims to increase the income of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) and benefit farmers in nearby villages.
The construction will take place in Hanol village, Palitana, known for its Amrit Sarovar with water from 33 rivers of India, along with additional facilities like a cricket stadium for the youth, constructed by Dr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya.
The agreement outlines a total land requirement of 1 acre for constructing facilities such as Fertilizer Storage, Grain Storage, Seeds Storage, and a Weigh Bridge, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.25 crore.
The Pilot Project for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector, led by the Ministry of Cooperation, is being executed across multiple states by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) with support from NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS).
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah reported in Lok Sabha that States/UTs and National level Cooperative Federations, including NCCF and NAFED, have identified 1,711 PACS for creating storage capacity under the Pilot Project nationwide.
In Haryana, 138 PACS have been identified, with 15 in the Sirsa District, as part of ongoing construction in 13 PACS across 13 States/UTs. This includes the Madha PACS in Hisar District, Haryana.