Amit Shah Lays Foundation for World’s Largest Curd Plant in Kolkata

KOLKATA — Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the world’s largest curd production plant in Kolkata on July 19, 2026. This landmark project, part of the broader Amul Bengal Dairy Project, is set to be established at the Howrah Food Park, representing a significant industrial development for West Bengal [1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.6].

The initiative, supported by an investment of approximately ₹700 crore, is expected to play a pivotal role in the "White Revolution 2.0," aiming to strengthen cooperative infrastructure and expand modern processing capabilities across the state [1.1.2, 1.1.3].

Driving Industrial and Agricultural Growth

The project is designed to enhance the daily capacity of the dairy sector in West Bengal significantly. Upon completion, the facility will have the capacity to process 30 lakh litres of milk per day [1.1.2, 1.1.6]. Central to its operations is a specialized unit capable of producing approximately 1,000 metric tonnes—equivalent to 10 lakh kilograms—of curd and other cultured dairy products daily, making it the largest of its kind in the world [1.1.3, 1.1.5, 1.1.6].

Beyond curd production, the plant's operational capacity includes the packaging of 10 lakh litres of liquid milk, along with the production of ice cream, paneer, ghee, sweets, and flavoured milk [1.1.2, 1.1.6].

Impact on Farmers and Local Economy

The Amul Bengal Dairy Project is projected to create substantial economic benefits for the state’s agricultural community. According to the Ministry of Cooperation, the initiative is set to support over 1.25 lakh milk-producing farmers in West Bengal, including more than 30,000 women producers [1.1.2, 1.1.6]. By providing a sustainable market and remunerative prices for milk procurement, the project aims to enhance the livelihoods of dairy farmers while generating significant direct and indirect employment in logistics, cold-chain, and allied sectors [1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5].

Official Sources and Additional Initiatives

During the ceremony, several other initiatives were unveiled to bolster the cooperative ecosystem in West Bengal:

• Digital Transformation: Minister Amit Shah launched the e-RCS portal, designed to computerize the office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, aiming to make administrative processes more transparent and accessible [1.1.3, 1.1.6].

• Infrastructure Development: The minister laid the foundation stones for 14 new storage warehouses across 10 districts and inaugurated two additional warehouses in South 24 Parganas and Cooch Behar [1.1.6].

• Cooperative Empowerment: Certificates were presented to newly constituted Dairy Cooperative Societies and Multipurpose Rural Cooperative Societies [1.1.2, 1.1.6].

Why It Matters

The establishment of this curd plant marks a strategic shift in West Bengal’s industrial landscape, emphasizing the role of cooperatives in economic development. By utilizing the strategic location of the Sankrail Food Park—near the junction of National Highways 16 and 19 and the Kolkata port—the project is positioned to efficiently serve markets across West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and the northeastern states [1.1.4, 1.1.5].

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project Name: Amul Bengal Dairy Project.

• Location: Howrah Food Park, West Bengal.

• Estimated Investment: Approximately ₹700 crore.

• Curd Capacity: 1,000 metric tonnes (10 lakh kg) per day.

• Milk Processing Capacity: 30 lakh litres per day.

FAQ

What makes this plant unique? The facility is set to become the world’s largest curd manufacturing unit, producing 10 lakh kilograms of curd and other cultured dairy products daily [1.1.2, 1.1.6].

How will this impact local farmers? The project provides a stable, remunerative market for milk procurement, benefiting over 1.25 lakh dairy farmers in West Bengal [1.1.2, 1.1.4].

What other projects were announced? In addition to the dairy plant, the program included the launch of the e-RCS portal for digital governance and the foundation laying for multiple storage warehouses [1.1.3, 1.1.6].

Source: Ministry of Cooperation (Press Information Bureau), Daily Excelsior, Rediff Money