Punjab Emerging as Preferred Investment Destination Under AAP Govt : Sanjeev Arora

CHANDIGARH(The Uttam Hindu): Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s firm commitment to industrial growth and investor facilitation, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government Sanjeev Arora on Thursday inaugurated the newly established dairy feed plant of Cargill Private Limited at the Industrial Park, Wazirabad in Mandi Gobindgarh. The state-of-the-art unit has been set up with an investment of ₹300 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Arora said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing substantial industrial investments through the Invest Punjab initiative. These investments are generating employment opportunities for the youth and accelerating Punjab’s overall economic development.”

The Minister added, “Growing investor confidence clearly reflects that Punjab is emerging as a preferred destination for investments, particularly in the agriculture and food processing sectors. The Punjab Government remains fully committed to providing every possible support and ensuring a business-friendly ecosystem through progressive policies and a peaceful industrial environment.”

Spread over 15 acres, the Cargill plant has an annual production capacity of 4.5 lakh metric tonnes and is the largest dairy feed plant in South Asia. After Bathinda, this marks Cargill’s second major unit in Punjab, further strengthening the agro-industrial value chain of Punjab. The management of Cargill Private Limited commended Sanjeev Arora for his consistent efforts in facilitating the establishment of the plant.

Highlighting the direct benefits to farmers, Minister Sanjeev Arora said, “This plant will greatly benefit dairy farmers by ensuring the local availability of high-quality cattle feed, thereby improving milk yield, quality and farmers’ income. The scientifically developed feed will enhance animal health and productivity, helping Punjab’s dairy sector scale new heights.”

Expressing confidence in the future of the dairy sector, he said, “Just as Punjab is known as the food bowl of India, it will soon emerge as a leading supplier of milk to other states as well.”

Interacting with the media, Minister Sanjeev Arora informed, “The upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, scheduled from March 13 to 15 at Mohali, is expected to attract large participation from national and international investors. The Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to position Punjab among the top industrial states of India. Industry in Punjab is steadily progressing and industrialists have expressed satisfaction with the proactive policies of the Punjab Government.”

Earlier, local MLA Lakhbir Singh Rai said, “The establishment of the Cargill plant will generate employment opportunities for nearly 1,000 youth in the region. The availability of superior-quality feed will significantly improve animal health and milk quality in the area.”

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Syal Grewal, David Webster, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Rishi Verma, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, Chair of Asia Pacific region, Adriano Marcon, President, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, and Ravinder Balain, Senior Managing Director, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, India and President, Cargill India were also present.