The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 29.2-kilometer six-lane, access-controlled greenfield national highway connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at Pagote with Chowk in Maharashtra. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore, will be implemented under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. This highway is expected to enhance connectivity between one of India’s busiest ports and the hinterland, easing the transportation of goods and reducing congestion on existing routes.
The decision is part of the Cabinet’s broader push to improve national highways, streamline logistics, and support economic growth. Once completed, the highway will facilitate faster movement of freight and passengers, helping businesses cut down on transit time and fuel costs. Improved road infrastructure is also likely to attract industrial investment in the region, creating employment opportunities and strengthening local economies.
Expansion of Rashtriya Gokul Mission to Support Dairy Farmers
In a move aimed at boosting cattle breeding and milk production, the Cabinet has sanctioned an additional Rs 11,000 crore for the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), bringing the total allocation to Rs 3,400 crore. The initiative focuses on improving the quality of indigenous cattle breeds, enhancing milk yields, and supporting dairy farmers across the country.
As part of the updated programme bu the cabinet, the government will provide financial assistance for the establishment of heifer-rearing centers. These centers will be crucial in raising high-genetic-merit cattle, ensuring that farmers have access to better-quality livestock. Additionally, farmers purchasing high-genetic-merit in-vitro fertilization (IVF) heifers will receive interest subvention to make advanced breeding techniques more affordable.
Since its inception, the RGM has played a significant role in enhancing milk production, registering a 63.5 percent increase over the past decade. The initiative has also provided direct benefits to over 5.2 crore farmers through artificial insemination programmes, helping them improve the productivity of their cattle. The additional funding is expected to expand these benefits to more farmers and further strengthen India’s dairy sector.
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Major Boost to Fertilizer Production with Ammonia-Urea Plant in Assam
The Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of a brownfield ammonia-urea complex at Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL) in Namrup, Assam. The project, with a total investment of Rs 10,601 crore, aims to enhance domestic urea production and reduce India’s reliance on imports.
The new facility will have an annual production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes of urea. This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, ensuring that farmers have access to adequate and affordable supplies. Increased domestic production is expected to stabilize fertilizer prices and support agricultural productivity, especially in the northeastern states.
Given that fertilizers play a critical role in enhancing crop yields, the establishment of this plant is likely to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector. The project is also expected to generate direct and indirect employment in the region, supporting local businesses and improving economic conditions in Assam.
Revamping the National Programme for Dairy Development
The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) has been revised, with the government allocating an additional Rs 1,000 crore to its budget. The total funding for the programme now stands at Rs 2,790 crore. This initiative is geared toward modernizing India’s dairy infrastructure, improving milk processing capacity, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
Under the revised programme, efforts will be made to upgrade milk testing laboratories, install bulk milk coolers, and provide targeted support to dairy cooperatives, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions. The initiative is designed to improve milk quality, extend shelf life, and ensure better market access for dairy farmers.
One of the significant outcomes expected from this investment is job creation, with projections indicating that over 3.2 lakh employment opportunities will be generated. Additionally, the government plans to establish 10,000 new dairy cooperative societies, which will provide small-scale dairy farmers with better market linkages and improved income security.
A Step Toward Strengthening Rural Economies
The series of approvals by the Union Cabinet reflects the government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure development, agricultural growth, and rural economic upliftment. The new highway in Maharashtra is expected to ease transportation bottlenecks, while investments in dairy and fertilizer production will directly benefit farmers and boost agricultural productivity.
With enhanced funding for the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Programme for Dairy Development, dairy farmers can look forward to better support systems and improved incomes. The approval of the ammonia-urea complex in Assam also signifies a strategic push toward self-reliance in fertilizer production, ensuring long-term benefits for India’s agricultural sector.
As these projects unfold, they are expected to contribute significantly to employment generation, rural development, and economic growth, reinforcing the government’s focus on strengthening key sectors of the economy.
