How has the sugar cooperative sector thrived since PM Modi's ascent?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of sugar cooperative factories boosts local economies.
- Government support enhances farmer welfare.
- Ethanol blending transforms sugar cooperative finances.
- Flood relief measures are in place for affected farmers.
- Cooperative movement is vital for agricultural development.
Ahilyanagar, Oct 5 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the enhanced capacity of the Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Cooperative Sugar Factory in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar on Sunday, emphasizing that India's sugar cooperative sector has greatly profited since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office at the national level.
Earlier that day, HM Shah also visited the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple to offer his prayers.
During his address at Ahilyanagar, he remarked, "I am delighted to be present in this area, which is now associated with the name of Ahilya Bai. The decision to rename Aurangabad to honor Ahilya Bai was made during the tenure of Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister and Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister. Such decisions reflect the legacy of Chhatrapati.
"Today, I am here in Pravara Nagar, recognized as a cooperative hub across the nation, primarily due to the contributions of Padmashree Vikhe Patil, who devoted his life to improving the lives of farmers in Maharashtra," he stated.
The Home Minister reiterated that India's sugar cooperative sector has benefited significantly since Modi became Prime Minister.
"Sugar cooperatives are encouraged to produce multi-feed ethanol during the non-crushing season... The establishment of the Cooperative Ministry by Prime Minister Modi facilitated the introduction of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) schemes aimed at reinforcing sugar mills in the cooperative sector. The financial health of sugar cooperatives has seen a turnaround due to ethanol blending," he elaborated.
Commenting on the devastating floods affecting the state, the Union Home Minister lamented, "Indradev has inflicted calamity upon the farmers of Maharashtra this time, with over seven hectares of farmland and their crops devastated."
"For the years 2025 and 2026, we have allocated a subsidy of Rs 3,132 crore to the Maharashtra government under the Sahas Sehar scheme. Of this, Rs 1,631 crore was provided by PM Modi in April alone. The Maharashtra government has also undertaken numerous initiatives to assist farmers," he noted.
The Home Minister also commended CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as a 'Trimurti' for their efforts in addressing the challenges posed by torrential rains and flooding in the state. He reassured that the Centre is dedicated to providing all necessary support to the affected.
"On behalf of PM Modi, I have assured that the Maharashtra government should provide the Centre with a detailed report. This is feasible because the people of Maharashtra have elected a government that genuinely cares for everyone. All NDA MLAs have also contributed one month's salary to the relief fund," he concluded.