Amit Shah Inaugurates Sulphuric Acid Plant at IFFCO Paradeep

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah dedicated the newly commissioned Sulphuric Acid Plant–III (SAP–III) at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) complex in Paradeep, Odisha, to the nation on 7 March 2026. The facility is expected to strengthen fertiliser production capacity and support agricultural productivity across India. The inauguration reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening cooperative institutions and expanding fertiliser infrastructure to benefit farmers.

Expansion of Fertiliser Infrastructure

The newly inaugurated sulphuric acid plant has been built at an estimated cost of about ₹700 crore. The plant has a production capacity of nearly 2,000 metric tonnes per day. It is the third stream of sulphuric acid production at the Paradeep unit. The addition of SAP–III is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the complex and ensure a steady supply of raw materials required for phosphatic fertiliser manufacturing.

IFFCO’s Paradeep complex is one of India’s largest integrated phosphatic fertiliser production units. The expansion will improve production capacity and help ensure timely availability of fertilisers to farmers across the country.

Growth of IFFCO’s Paradeep Unit

During the event, Amit Shah highlighted the transformation of the Paradeep plant since it was acquired by IFFCO in 2005 for ₹2,577 crore. At the time of acquisition, the plant had an annual production capacity of about 7.5 lakh metric tonnes. Over the years, upgrades and expansions have increased its capacity to nearly 22 lakh metric tonnes.

The development of additional production streams and adoption of modern technology have significantly strengthened the unit’s role in India’s fertiliser sector.

Strength of the Cooperative Model

Amit Shah emphasised that the cooperative model empowers farmers by making them stakeholders in agricultural infrastructure. According to him, IFFCO benefits nearly five crore farmers across the country.

He noted that the organisation’s financial strength reflects the success of the cooperative movement. IFFCO currently has a turnover exceeding ₹41,000 crore, profits of over ₹3,800 crore, and a net worth of more than ₹28,000 crore. These achievements underline how cooperative institutions can support rural development and farmer prosperity.

Important Facts for Exams

• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is one of the largest fertiliser cooperatives in the world.
• Paradeep in Odisha hosts one of India’s largest integrated phosphatic fertiliser complexes.
• Sulphuric acid is a key raw material used in the production of phosphatic fertilisers.
• The Ministry of Cooperation was created in 2021 to strengthen India’s cooperative sector.

Focus on Rural Development and Farmer Support

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, IFFCO Chairman Dilip Sanghani, and Managing Director K.J. Patel, along with other senior officials.

Amit Shah stated that the Ministry of Cooperation and the Odisha government will work together to improve rural livelihoods in the state. He emphasised that expanding fertiliser infrastructure using modern technology will help ensure timely supply of agricultural inputs and enhance farm productivity across India.