Banas Dairy’s Rs 407.56 crore initiatives to boost livestock research, green energy and agri-processing; major eco-tourism and unity projects also on the agenda.
Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three major infrastructure and research projects of Banas Dairy, worth Rs 407.56 crore, during his two-day visit to Gujarat on October 30 and 31. The projects include the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre in Bhildi, an upgraded French fries processing plant in Sanadar, and an Automated Storage and Retrieval System in Palanpur. The visit will also see the laying of foundation stones for two new Bio-CNG plants in Tharad and Radhanpur, along with the inauguration of the Rain Forest, Glass Skywalk and Ekta Cruise at Ekta Nagar.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the cooperative sector, promote sustainable agriculture, enhance livestock breeding and processing capabilities, and boost eco-tourism and green energy production in the state.
The Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre in Bhildi, built at a cost of Rs 324.77 crore, will serve as a Centre of Excellence for genetic advancement and livestock research.
Banas Dairy Strengthens Farm-to-Table Supply Chain
Banas Dairy has developed a fully integrated production chain, from test-tube plantlet development and seed crop cultivation to cold storage and final retail delivery. This end-to-end model makes it the only cooperative in India to operate such a system. The dairy’s in-house developed high-speed and traceable logistics network reduces operational costs, with the savings directly benefiting 4.18 lakh milk producers.
Green Energy and Sustainable Growth
In addition to the new Bio-CNG plants, Banas Dairy already operates four such facilities that convert cow dung into vehicle fuel and organic fertiliser. The expansion will create income opportunities for livestock rearers while increasing green energy production across the region.
“These projects reflect our commitment to farmers, sustainable development and a stronger cooperative future.”
— Banas Dairy
The upgraded French fries processing plant at Sanadar will boost processing capacity to five tonnes per hour.
The Automated Storage and Retrieval System in Palanpur, built at Rs 31.14 crore, will ensure efficient handling and dispatch of UHT milk products.
A Major Celebration of Unity
On October 30, the Prime Minister will attend a cultural programme based on Anand Math at Dam View Point-1. On October 31, he will visit the Statue of Unity, pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, perform the traditional padpooja and lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge.
The celebrations will conclude with the Rashtriya Ekta Parade-2026, featuring 19 contingents from state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces, police bands, motorcycle display teams, cultural tableaux, NCC cadets and a 45-strong canine unit trained in anti-Naxal operations.
Rain Forest, Skywalk and Ekta Cruise to Boost Eco-Tourism at Ekta Nagar
New facilities to enhance visitor experience and promote national unity.
At Ekta Nagar, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Rain Forest project, a 2.62-km forest eco-trail and the Ekta Cruise service. The Rain Forest, built at Rs 9.49 crore, features a 220-metre glass-deck skywalk, a waterfall, a pond, walking paths, visitor facilities and a children’s play area.
The eco-trail, titled “Trail of United India,” will highlight five thematic zones, while the Ekta Cruise will offer a water-based transit and sightseeing experience near the Sardar Sarovar dam.
Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity, will host key events under the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.
KEY PROJECTS AT A GLANCE
1. Bharat Bovine Breeding & Research Centre, Bhildi
- Cost: Rs 324.77 crore
- Centre of Excellence for genetic advancement and livestock research.
2. French Fries Processing Plant, Sanadar
- Cost: Rs 51.65 crore
- Capacity expanded from 2 to 5 tonnes per hour.
3. Automated Storage & Retrieval System, Palanpur
- Cost: Rs 31.14 crore
- Nine-level racks with capacity for 11,000 pallets of UHT milk products.
4. Two Bio-CNG Plants, Tharad & Radhanpur
- Capacity: 75 TPD and 100 TPD
- Cow dung processing capacity to support green energy and organic fertiliser production.
5. Rain Forest & Glass Skywalk, Ekta Nagar
- Cost: Rs 9.49 crore
- 47,000 sq. metres, with a 220-metre skywalk, waterfall and other visitor attractions.
“The projects will not only strengthen Gujarat’s cooperative and agricultural sector, but also create new opportunities for green energy, tourism and rural prosperity.” — Government Official