With the sowing of happiness, Banas district emerges as a national role model
New Delhi [India], December 15: On the second day of BharatKool Adhyay–2, under the theme “Banas ni Suvas”, the Honourable Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary, in a dialogue with Shri Dixit Soni, eloquently presented the journey of Banaskantha’s holistic development, its inclusive economic model, and the far-reaching positive impact it has created on society.
Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary stated that the development of Banaskantha is not limited to the district alone but has become a strong pillar in Gujarat’s overall progress. Today, Banas Dairy stands as a role model for the entire nation. Over the last decade, its turnover has grown from ₹4,000 crore to ₹24,000 crore—an achievement made possible through collective effort. The model ensures that the extent of one’s contribution determines one’s share, reflecting a fair, participatory, and Bharatiya economic philosophy.
Referring to India’s civilisational ethos, he said that Bharat has been prosperous for centuries. Knowledge has always been viewed as a shared treasure rather than a commodity bound by patents or royalties. This belief—that knowledge belongs to all—is the essence of BharatKool, and its relevance remains timeless.
Explaining the link between economy and ecology, Shri Chaudhary emphasised that sustainable development in Banaskantha rests on living soil, clean water, and pure air. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure ecological balance and improve the Happiness Index. By planting one crore trees every year, Banaskantha is being developed as the ‘lungs’ of Gujarat and Rajasthan, while barren hills are steadily being transformed into green landscapes.
Highlighting the importance of cattle and soil, he noted that while the cow is the backbone of the rural economy, soil is its soul. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has weakened soil vitality. In Banas, nourishment through cow dung, cow urine derivatives, and plant residues is restoring soil health. Fertilisers may increase yield volume, but actual fertility comes from living soil. The vision is to revive Banaskantha’s land to its ancient state, where whatever was sown would naturally flourish.
Reflecting on past challenges, Shri Chaudhary recalled that Banaskantha once faced severe constraints due to its border location, water scarcity, lack of educational facilities, and limited research. The arrival of Narmada canal water marked a historic transformation. Improved water availability brought significant changes to agriculture and the rural economy, with district income rising from ₹230 crore to ₹1,230 crore within a decade.
In education, Banaskantha has achieved remarkable progress, particularly in girls’ education. Outside metropolitan cities, the district secured first place in the Class 10 board examinations this year. Banaskantha has also emerged as a leading contributor, outside metros, to recruitment in the Army and Police services.
As a visible indicator of rural prosperity, Shri Chaudhary noted that Banaskantha records the highest motorcycle and tractor purchases in the country—a sign of rising confidence and economic strength. He added that the coming decade would witness the development of a new model centred on happiness and well-being.
Explaining the drivers of this prosperity, he highlighted that Banas Dairy built reliable infrastructure and earned the people’s trust. Despite water scarcity, widespread adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation made Banas a national leader in micro-irrigation. Fair milk pricing empowered livestock farmers, and village-level infrastructure ensured inclusive growth. This year alone, ₹2,100 crore was distributed from the surplus after price adjustments.
Speaking on women’s empowerment, Shri Chaudhary proudly stated that Banas has created thousands of ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with many women progressing to become crorepatis. Their determination and self-reliance reflect the strength of Bharatiya womanhood in rural transformation.
On the scientific use of cow dung and cow urine, he explained that the cow-based economic model unlocks immense value. Cow dung is procured at ₹1 per kg and used for bio-CNG and organic fertiliser production. Cow urine is purified and processed to extract potash-rich compounds. These initiatives are rejuvenating the earth. Soil health laboratories have also been established, offering comprehensive testing at a nominal cost of ₹400.
For the youth, Banas Dairy has introduced high-quality, affordable protein powder that is easily digestible. Demand is so strong that marketing is unnecessary—the market reaches Banas on its own.
In addition, while sharing insights on probiotics, he stated that until now, probiotic medicines were largely imported from foreign countries. These products were developed in accordance with the gut structure of overseas populations and, therefore, were not fully suited to the Indian body system. Recognising this gap, Banas Dairy’s dairy technologists, through scientific research in their own laboratories, have developed probiotic bacteria specifically suited to “Indian guts”, aligned with Indian lifestyle and dietary habits. Placing public welfare above commercial interests, no patent has been taken for this important development, ensuring that its benefits are easily accessible to people across the country.
Addressing apiculture and the ‘Sweet Revolution’, he noted that integrated honey farming has made Banas the largest honey-producing region in India. Work is also underway on high-value bee pollen and venom. Alongside this, initiatives such as potato processing plants, cold-pressed oil units, and protein-enriched flour production have been launched.
Concluding his address, Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary said that guided by the eternal principle of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’, the work of Banas has expanded beyond the district into eight states. Collaboration with IIT–IIM students and companies like Suzuki has transformed Banas into a model of Bharatiya rural development, where economic progress goes hand in hand with the sowing of happiness. This harmonious prosperity of soil, vegetation, animals, and humans is why Banas ni Suvas is now spreading across the nation.
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