Paradeep, Mar 7: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday dedicated the newly commissioned Sulphuric Acid Plant-3 (SAP-III) at IFFCO’s Paradeep unit to the nation, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s fertiliser infrastructure and supporting farmers nationwide.
Addressing the ceremony, Shah highlighted the cooperative model’s strength, emphasizing that IFFCO’s profits and turnover benefit nearly five crore farmers across the country. He said, “Wherever IFFCO’s factories are located, their real owners are the farmers of India. The cooperative model ensures that its growth and earnings directly serve farmers.”
IFFCO’s Paradeep complex, originally acquired in 2005 for Rs 2,577 crore with a production capacity of 7.5 lakh metric tonnes, has now expanded to 22 lakh metric tonnes, producing around 15% blended fertilisers and 40% indigenous DAP. The new plant, built at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore, has a daily production capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes, enhancing the operational efficiency of one of India’s largest integrated phosphatic fertiliser units.
Shah noted that IFFCO’s initiatives, including Nano Urea, Nano DAP, and the PM-PRANAM scheme, are aimed at reducing excessive chemical fertiliser usage, protecting soil health, and ensuring sustainable agriculture. He also emphasized that the Government of India and Odisha would collaborate through the cooperative sector to empower poor farmers, rural communities, and women, promoting self-reliance.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the commissioning of the new plant would accelerate industrial development in the state, attract investment, and generate employment opportunities. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the expansion strengthens the country’s fertiliser production capacity and ensures timely availability for farmers, supporting agricultural growth.
IFFCO Chairman Dilip Sanghani underscored the cooperative’s commitment to farmers and modernising production, while Managing Director KJ Patel detailed the plant’s advanced, environmentally efficient technology, which will enhance production and operational efficiency.
The dedication ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including MPs, state ministers, senior officials, and representatives from the cooperative sector. Among them were Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, MLA Amarendra Das, and Odisha Minister of State for Industries Sampad Chandra Swain.
The Sulphuric Acid Plant-3 at Paradeep is set to strengthen India’s fertiliser production ecosystem, improve the availability of essential agricultural inputs, and reinforce the cooperative sector’s role in promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat and rural prosperity.
