Amit Shah Inaugurates IFFCO Sulphuric Acid Plant–III at Paradeep

New SAP–III Facility at IFFCO Paradeep to Boost Fertiliser Production

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

Expansion of Fertiliser Infrastructure

The SAP–III facility has been established at an estimated cost of ₹700 crore and has a production capacity of nearly 2,000 metric tonnes per day . It represents the third stream of sulphuric acid production at the Paradeep complex. Sulphuric acid is a crucial raw material used in the manufacturing of phosphatic fertilisers , and the addition of this plant will enhance operational efficiency and ensure a stable supply of key inputs required for fertiliser production.

The Paradeep unit of IFFCO is among India’s largest integrated phosphatic fertiliser complexes. The expansion is expected to improve overall production capacity and ensure the timely availability of fertilisers for farmers across the country.

Growth of the Paradeep Complex

During the inauguration ceremony, Amit Shah highlighted the transformation of the Paradeep facility since its acquisition by IFFCO in 2005 for ₹2,577 crore . At that time, the plant’s annual production capacity was about 7.5 lakh metric tonnes . Continuous upgrades and technological improvements have increased this capacity to nearly 22 lakh metric tonnes , strengthening its contribution to India’s fertiliser sector.

Role of the Cooperative Model

Amit Shah emphasised that the cooperative model enables farmers to become stakeholders in agricultural infrastructure. According to him, IFFCO benefits nearly five crore farmers across India. The organisation currently records a turnover of over ₹41,000 crore , profits exceeding ₹3,800 crore , and a net worth of more than ₹28,000 crore , demonstrating the economic strength of cooperative institutions.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• IFFCO: One of the world’s largest fertiliser cooperatives.

• SAP–III Capacity: Around 2,000 metric tonnes per day of sulphuric acid production.

• Location: IFFCO complex at Paradeep, Odisha .

• Paradeep Unit Capacity: Expanded from 7.5 lakh MT to about 22 lakh MT annually .

• Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021 to strengthen India’s cooperative sector.