Jharkhand News: Ranchi’s Bacon Factory to Reopen Soon with MoU, Confirms Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey

Ranchi (Jharkhand), May 04, 2025: In a significant development for Jharkhand’s livestock sector, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey announced that the long-defunct Bacon Factory in Ranchi will soon be revived through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Speaking at a press conference held at Nepal House, Tirkey said that the proposal has reached an advanced stage and an MoU is expected to be signed shortly to kickstart the revival process.

MoU to Revive Bacon Factory in Ranchi with National Collaboration

The Minister stated that the National Meat Research Centre will play the role of Knowledge Partner in the project. This collaboration aims to bring technical support and modern meat-processing standards to the facility. The existing dilapidated machinery at the Bacon Factory will be completely replaced with advanced equipment to restore full-scale operations.

According to Tirkey, the initiative will not only revive meat production in Jharkhand but will also provide employment and training opportunities for thousands involved in pig farming (सूकर पालन) across the state. The factory, once a prestigious institution with staff receiving training in Denmark, had been lying dormant for years due to outdated infrastructure and administrative neglect.

Boost to Pig Farming and Rural Livelihood in Jharkhand

Jharkhand has a significant population engaged in pig farming, especially in rural tribal communities. The revival of Ranchi’s Bacon Factory is expected to strengthen the pork value chain, enabling farmers to access processing facilities and structured markets. Minister Tirkey highlighted the potential for export-oriented meat processing once the facility becomes operational, supported by technical guidance from national institutes.

The move aligns with the state government’s objective to empower livestock farmers through infrastructure development, processing capabilities, and skill-building initiatives.

Fisheries and Pearl Culture to Be Expanded with National Support

Apart from the Bacon Factory revival, the Minister shared insights into her recent visit to Telangana from April 28–30, where she studied progressive agricultural and livestock practices. She announced that Jharkhand is set to collaborate with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to enhance fishery production across the state.

Additionally, the Central Government has selected Hazaribagh district for a pilot project in pearl culture. A batch of 100 farmers from Jharkhand will soon undergo specialized training, facilitated by CIFA Bhubaneswar, to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Millet Farming to Receive Structured Support Through Incentives and Training

In line with national goals to promote nutri-cereals, the state will adopt the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) model to boost the cultivation and processing of millets (मोटे अनाज). Jharkhand’s coalition government is offering ₹3000 per acre as an incentive to millet farmers, which has reportedly led to a two-fold increase in production.

Plans are underway to open Millet Cafeterias across Jharkhand, in collaboration with IIMR. These cafeterias will feature 40 millet-based food products and serve as micro-enterprises for local producers. An MoU is also being considered for this initiative, which is expected to create processing units and new income streams in rural areas.

Women SHGs and FPOs in Ranchi to Be Trained for Millet-Based Entrepreneurship

Minister Tirkey confirmed that women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) associated with Ranchi’s C-Park will receive training in millet-based food processing and packaging. A proposal has already been submitted to IIMR to prepare the training modules.

The integration of rural women into the agro-processing industry is a key focus for the government, aimed at promoting nutritional security and livelihood generation.

Telangana Visit a Model for Administrative Efficiency, Says Tirkey

Reflecting on her Telangana tour, Minister Tirkey emphasized the importance of administrative commitment and accountability. She noted the professionalism of Telangana officials and urged Jharkhand’s administrative machinery to adopt a similarly dedicated approach for the betterment of the state’s agriculture and allied sectors.

The press interaction concluded with Tirkey reiterating her ministry’s vision to revive agro-based infrastructure, scale up production, and enhance the incomes of farmers, fishers and livestock rearers through strategic partnerships and national support frameworks.