Latest news with #AdvantageAssam2.0Summit
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dairy boost: Assam rolls out Rs 5 per litre milk subsidy; CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches plant expansion to support rural economy
AI image To give a fresh boost to Assam's dairy sector, the state government on Sunday introduced a new subsidy scheme offering Rs 5 per litre of milk to dairy farmers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the initiative at a programme in Guwahati, where he also laid the foundation stone for expanding the Panjabari plant of West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL), which sells under the Purabi Dairy brand. 'Empowering our dairy farmers. Today, we formally rolled out the subsidy scheme... which will now receive Rs 5/litre subsidy for the milk they give for processing at cooperative societies,' Sarma said in a post on X, adding that the move would encourage higher production, improve farmers' earnings, and spark a rural dairy revolution. According to officials quoted by news agency PTI, over 20,000 dairy farmers across Assam are expected to benefit from this subsidy scheme. The state sees this step as essential to strengthen milk supply chains and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas. At the same event, Sarma performed the 'bhoomi pujan' for a Rs 104 crore expansion of the Purabi Dairy processing unit. The facility, once upgraded, will double its processing capacity from 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) to 3 LLPD. This project is part of an MoU between WAMUL and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), signed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit earlier this year. Calling the expansion 'a crucial step towards a self-reliant Assam in the dairy sector,' Sarma said it would ensure better market access for farmers and strengthen the state's nutritional security. NDDB and WAMUL chairman Meenesh Shah said the plant's growth would support a broader dairy network, boost milk collection, and reach more consumers in the region. The Panjabari facility is the largest milk processing plant in the North East and plays a central role in the Assam Dairy Development Plan (ADDP), which aims to process 10 LLPD state-wide in the formal dairy sector. As part of the expansion, pasteurised pouch milk output will increase from 1.15 LLPD to 2.0 LLPD. The facility will also add a new ice cream production line of 20 thousand litres per day (TLPD), scalable to 30 TLPD, along with additional dairy products totalling 70 TLPD.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Purabi Dairy set to double its processing capacity to 3 lakh litres per day
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony organised by West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Ltd ( WAMUL ) for the expansion of Purabi Dairy plant at Panjabari. The upgraded facility will double the plant's milk processing capacity from 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) to 3 lakh litres per day (LLPD). Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category CXO Finance Public Policy MBA Product Management Technology Operations Management Others Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Data Analytics PGDM Cybersecurity others Data Science Degree Data Science MCA Healthcare healthcare Leadership Management Project Management Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details The Rs 104 crore expansion project is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between WAMUL and NDDB during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in February of this year. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen the dairy value chain and ensure sustainable livelihoods for rural milk producers. The Chief Minister stated, 'The expansion of the Purabi Dairy plant is a crucial step towards realising our vision of a self-reliant Assam in the dairy sector. By doubling the processing capacity of this plant, we are not only ensuring better market access for a larger number of dairy farmers in the state but also enhancing nutritional security for our people. I congratulate NDDB and Purabi Dairy for their efforts in strengthening Assam's dairy ecosystem and supporting rural livelihoods .' Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB & WAMUL stated, 'It is a momentous occasion for Purabi Dairy and the cooperative families we represent. The expansion of the Purabi Dairy plant is a testament to the power of cooperative efforts and strategic vision. With this expansion, we are building the capacity needed to support a growing dairy network, improving milk collection, streamlining processing and reaching more consumers across the region. WAMUL and NDDB remain committed to supporting the Assam government's dairy development plan with the infrastructure and institutional frameworks required for long-term sustainability and growth.' Operated by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Ltd. (WAMUL) under the Purabi Dairy brand, the Panjabari plant is the largest dairy processing facility in Northeast India. The expansion aims to increase the milk processing capacity of the plant from 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) to 3.0 LLPD with pasteurised pouch milk production rising from 1.15 LLPD to 2.0 LLPD. Additionally, a new ice cream production facility of 20 TLPD (thousand litres per day), expandable to 30 TLPD and other dairy products totalling 70 TLPD will be included in the expansion. The expanded unit will be equipped with facilities to enhance operational efficiency and meet the increasing consumer demand for milk and dairy products. This plant is part of the Assam Dairy Development Plan (ADDP), which envisions processing 10 lakh litres of milk per day (LLPD) across the state in the formal dairy sector. The Panjabari plant was previously upgraded from a daily capacity of 60,000 litres per day to 1.5 lakh litres per day under the World Bank-funded APART project. The plant fuelled the growth of Purabi product distribution across the state, leading to almost 100% capacity utilisation within 18 months of inauguration. This necessitated the current expansion of the plant.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
7 limestone blocks in Umrangso being auctioned: CM at mining mins' conclave
1 2 Guwahati: Addressing the second edition of the North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave here on Friday, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state has begun auctioning seven limestone blocks situated in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district. The conclave marks a significant step towards harnessing the untapped mineral and coal resources across the northeastern states. Sarma, in his keynote address, outlined the state's progressive policy reforms and significant monetary investments in the mining sector. He added that the state has begun auctioning seven limestone blocks, of which five blocks have already been auctioned with letters of intent distributed, while the remaining two blocks are scheduled for auction by Aug 2025. He conveyed optimism that through collaboration with the Govt of India and Indian Bureau of Mines, at least one limestone block would become operational by Dec 2025. The CM announced that the mines and minerals department secured 14 MoUs with investment pledges surpassing Rs 46,000 crore from domestic and international investors during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit. He assured the attendees of providing a favourable business atmosphere and disclosed that the state cabinet had given approval for establishing the Assam State Mineral Trust, which aims to advance sustainable practices in mining and exploration of minor minerals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs ด้วยค่าสเปรดที่ต่ำที่สุด IC Markets สมัคร Undo Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy, in his address, highlighted the significant position of the northeast in India's mining and energy strategy and noted that the mineral-abundant states of the region are receiving dedicated attention under the PM's guidance to convert their unused resources into catalysts for economic advancement, job creation and regional development. The minister assured complete backing from the centre to all northeastern states in developing their individual mining action strategies. He emphasised the necessity of implementing environmentally conscious and technologically sophisticated mining methods. Additionally, he stressed the importance of coordinating mineral development activities with disaster readiness, scientific studies and social progress. Coal ministry secretary Vikram Dev Dutt emphasised the northeast's vital role in India's energy security, citing its abundant tertiary coal reserves across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim. He described these deposits' distinctive features, including high calorific value, low ash content, and elevated sulphur levels. The secretary announced that 10% of the funding for central sector exploration schemes has been allocated to the northeast, emphasising the importance of focused exploration activities. He reported the successful auction of five coal blocks in the region, with a total output capacity of 1.2 million tonnes yearly, projected to create approximately 1,650 employment opportunities and yield about Rs 800 crore in annual state revenue. He affirmed the ministry's commitment to maintaining sustainability as a fundamental aspect of coal development initiatives in the northeastern region.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Assam enters national auction map as northeast's mineral potential unveiled
Guwahati: VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underscored that the Geological Survey of India has identified over 36,000 square kilometres in the Northeast India as having mineral potential, translating to nearly 3,000 prospective mines. He highlighted that Assam has now firmly entered the national auction map, signalling a new era for mineral development. The 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam on Friday. He called for expanding exploration and research, including leveraging Artificial Intelligence in mineral discovery. Notably, the North East is home to one of India's first AI-supported exploration projects sanctioned under the National Mineral Exploration Trust. The Secretary urged all state governments to actively facilitate exploration, considering the challenging topography, and to ensure sustainability and adequate security for geologists working in remote areas. The inaugural session was addressed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma he shared that state has initiated the auction of seven limestone blocks in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district, with five already auctioned and Letters of Intent issued, and the remaining two expected to be auctioned by August 2025. He expressed confidence that, with the support of the Government of India and Indian Bureau of Mines, at least one of these limestone blocks could be operationalised by December 2025. Live Events The Chief Minister informed that during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, the Mines and Minerals Department signed 14 MoUs securing investment commitments exceeding Rs 46,000 crore from national and international investors. He assured the gathering of Assam's conducive working environment and announced that the state cabinet has approved the formation of the Assam State Mineral Trust to promote sustainable mining and exploration of minor minerals. He added that the Assam Mineral Policy is in its final stage of formulation and is expected to be implemented within a month. Addressing the Conclave, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, underscored the North East's critical role in India's mining and energy roadmap. He emphasised that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the mineral-rich states of the North East are now receiving focused attention to transform untapped resources into drivers of economic growth, employment, and local empowerment. The Minister reaffirmed the Centre's full support to all North Eastern states to develop state-specific mining action plans and stressed the importance of environmentally responsible, technologically advanced mining practices. He also highlighted the need to align mineral initiatives with disaster preparedness, scientific research, and community development. Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the North East's strategic importance for India's energy security, owing to its rich tertiary coal deposits across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim. These deposits, he noted, are characterised by high calorific value, low ash, and relatively higher sulphur content. He shared that 10% of funds under Central Sector funded schemes for Exploration have been earmarked specifically for the North East, underscoring the need for targeted exploration initiatives. The Secretary also informed that five coal blocks in the region have been successfully auctioned, with a combined capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum, expected to create around 1,650 jobs and generate nearly Rs 800 crore in annual revenue for the states. He reiterated that sustainability remains central to the Ministry's coal development strategy in the region. During the inaugural session, significant documents were released, including the Geological Potential of Northeast India which contains the details of the vast yet underexplored mineral resources of the eight Northeast States, laying the roadmap for strategic exploration, research, augmentation and sustainable development. The document on Mining in India's Northeast by the Indian Bureau of Mines was also released. The Ministry of Mines unveiled updated District Resource Maps covering Dibrugarh (Assam), East Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), Kamjong (Manipur), East Garo (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), Phek (Nagaland), Namchi (Sikkim), and Gomati (Tripura) to guide future investments. India's mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since FY 2024–25, a total of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues for industrial growth and employment in the region. These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-East to play a central role in India's critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the government's commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation. The conclave is expected to serve as a catalyst for accelerating investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the mineral and coal sectors of the North Eastern Region, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Economic Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Assam govt signs investment agreements amounting to Rs 22,900 crore
Guwahati: As part of the implementation of Advantage Assam 2.0, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in an investment agreement exchange ceremony with key investors, organised at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra. ADVERTISEMENT It may be noted that during the event, the Government of Assam signed agreements amounting to Rs. 22,900 crores. Sarma referred to the day as an important milestone in Assam's process of economic transformation. He stated that the signing of agreements for 20 major projects across various sectors, involving investments totalling Rs. 22,900 crores, represents a significant advancement towards the state's developmental objectives. He noted that the successful conclusion of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several industrialists from across the country, has contributed to establishing a favourable environment for industrial development in Assam. He further stated that during the summit, Memorandums of Understanding were signed for proposed investments amounting to Rs. 5.18 lakh crore across the investment and infrastructure sectors. Referring to recent progress, he mentioned that the state government has already initiated the implementation of three major infrastructure-related projects. Regarding the first, he informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Narengi-Kurua bridge on the Guwahati Ring Road in September this year, at an estimated cost of Rs. 7,800 crores. ADVERTISEMENT He also noted that the Guwahati-Silchar Access-Controlled Expressway has received approval from the Union Cabinet, with an allocated budget of Rs. 23,000 Chief Minister stated that, following the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, the state government has secured investments amounting to Rs. 30,000 crores in the infrastructure sector, and expressed confidence that this figure is likely to increase further in the near future. ADVERTISEMENT He further mentioned that multiple agreements were signed across both the public and private sectors during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. As a result, implementation has commenced for 20 major projects involving investments totalling Rs. 22,900 crores, based on the Memorandums of Understanding signed at the event. At Matia in Goalpara, Kohinoor Pulp and Paper Private Limited and RPN Speciality Private Limited are in the process of establishing two major paper mills, with an investment of Rs. 1,800 crore, and construction work has already begun. SKJ Clean Enviro Ventures Limited is planning to set up a plastic recycling plant in Changsari with an investment of Rs. 137 crore, and the project is expected to commence by December this year. Referring to a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Matheson Hydrogen, he added that agreements have also been finalised with three ethanol production companies. He stated that significant progress has been made in projects undertaken by Kamakhya Biofuels, Gulshan Polyols, Aadhar Green, and Cis Biotech. Additionally, he said that the Brahmaputra Breweries project in Tihu has also made considerable headway. ADVERTISEMENT Sarma stated that work has commenced on the Megashree, Meghatop, and Max Cement projects, with an investment of Rs. 2,800 crores. In the hospitality sector, construction is underway on various initiatives, including those by Shailaja LLP, Downtown Hospital (Courtyard by Marriott), and Jonali Constructions Private Limited (Marriott Resort & Spa). He noted that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for the Tata Gateway project in Jagiroad. In light of the ongoing semiconductor project in the region, the Tata Gateway is expected to develop into a significant initiative. ADVERTISEMENT He also said that the state government is taking active steps to establish a robust ecosystem for green energy production in Assam through partnerships with central public sector undertakings and private enterprises. He highlighted that work is in progress in collaboration with SJVN to develop solar power projects in Tezpur and Bilasipara. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the company for the production of 200 megawatts of solar energy, with an investment of Rs. 1,000 crores. He further stated that two major agreements have been concluded in the green energy sector in Assam. One is with ATPC Limited to develop a 250 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, and the other is with NLC India Limited (NLCIL) to establish a 100 MW solar power facility at Rongpangbong in West Karbi Anglong district. An additional MoU has been signed with Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited for the development of a Pumped Storage Project (PSP). Following the Advantage Assam summit, agreements amounting to Rs. 20,000 crore in the infrastructure sector and Rs. 22,000 crore in the industrial sector have been signed. Implementation of the Namrup Fertilizer Plant project is also progressing. He concluded by stating that investments worth Rs. 32,000 crore and infrastructure projects amounting to Rs. 30,000 crore under the Advantage Assam initiative are currently being Chief Minister stated that a similar event is scheduled to take place in September–October this year, during which additional major investment agreements are expected to be finalised. He added that by the end of the year, the state government anticipates being able to inaugurate several industrial projects. He emphasised that, in addition to large-scale industries, sustainable job creation requires the development of small enterprises and sectors such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and dairy farming. He noted that Amul is expected to generate 20,000 employment opportunities through an investment of Rs. 75 crores. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the National Dairy Development Board for milk production in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat, with a target output of 3 lakh litres. The initiative is expected to become operational by September. He further mentioned that a fourth project agreement with Amul has been signed for additional milk production. At present, Assam produces approximately 1.3 lakh litres of milk daily, with a long-term objective of increasing this figure to 10 lakh litres per day over the next four to five years. He stated that current efforts are aligned with this goal and requested Amul to establish two additional projects within the state. He reiterated that the Assam government would provide full support and assistance for this purpose. Additionally, he noted that Tata has initiated two projects—one in Gujarat and another in Jagiroad—and observed that the project in Jagiroad is progressing at a faster pace than the one in stated that the development of any state requires the incorporation of innovative ideas. In line with this objective, a new department titled 'Startup and Innovation' was established in the previous budget. Under the MASI Startup Programme, financial support totalling Rs. 2 crores has been provided to 24 emerging startups. These entrepreneurs have received grants under categories such as Startups for Scale-Up, Startups from Idea to Proof of Concept, patent reimbursement, and GST reimbursement. He noted that these startups are engaged in sectors including biotechnology, clean technology, and advanced innovation. He further stated that young individuals from the state are making progress in obtaining patents and applying their ideas in practical domains. Additionally, he mentioned that individuals from outside the state are also showing interest in working at incubation centres in Assam. The Chief Minister stated that the state government has established a land bank to facilitate the allocation of land to interested investors. He added that necessary infrastructure is being developed to support this objective, and several major projects that signed Memorandums of Understanding during Advantage Assam are expected to be implemented by September–October. He noted that the progress made in the industrial sector following the Advantage Assam initiative is the result of well-developed infrastructure and industry-friendly policies adopted by the state. To promote industrial development, a supportive ecosystem has been put in place, which includes land allotment, the development of logistic parks, reliable power supply, and a digital single-window clearance system. He further stated that, following the signing of MoUs under Advantage Assam, the relevant departments within the state government have been undertaking focused efforts to ensure the implementation of these agreements.
