AI Generated Summary
- The Chief Minister highlighted the growing cooperation between Punjab and the Netherlands, revealing that discussions are underway with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Aviation Ministry to establish direct flights from Chandigarh to Amsterdam and other European hubs.
- “Punjab is not only known for agriculture and sports—nine members of the current Indian hockey team hail from our state, and captains of both the men’s and women’s national hockey and cricket teams have Punjabi roots,” he said.
- Co De Heus, Chairman of the Board of Royal De Heus, described the opening as an extension of the company’s long-term commitment to India.
Dutch Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerards, on Wednesday inaugurated De Heus Animal Nutrition India’s new state-of-the-art feed manufacturing facility in Rajpura, marking a major milestone in Indo-Dutch industrial collaboration.
The plant, built with an investment of Rs 150 crore, has an annual capacity of 1.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT), which can later be scaled up to 2.4 lakh MT. It features two modern production lines—one dedicated to cattle and buffalo feed, and the other for poultry and pig feed—reflecting De Heus’s focus on multi-species nutrition.
Speaking at the inauguration, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the new factory would serve as a catalyst for regional development. “This project will create jobs, attract allied industries, and strengthen the transport sector owing to its strategic location near the highway,” he said. Mann added that the plant adheres to international environmental standards, ensuring zero pollution discharge.
Strengthening Punjab–Netherlands Ties
The Chief Minister highlighted the growing cooperation between Punjab and the Netherlands, revealing that discussions are underway with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Aviation Ministry to establish direct flights from Chandigarh to Amsterdam and other European hubs. “This new facility further cements Punjab’s ties with the Netherlands,” Mann noted.
He also commended the Dutch for their excellence in hockey and soccer, while praising De Heus executives for embracing Punjab’s cultural heritage by wearing the state’s traditional phulkari attire during the event.
Boost to Punjab’s Industrial Growth
Emphasizing Punjab’s industrial resurgence, Mann cited ongoing investments including the upcoming Tata Steel plant, and other major projects that are transforming the state into a manufacturing hub. “Punjab is not only known for agriculture and sports—nine members of the current Indian hockey team hail from our state, and captains of both the men’s and women’s national hockey and cricket teams have Punjabi roots,” he said.
Supporting Farmers and Local Businesses
According to company officials, the Rajpura plant will create over 300 direct jobs and support hundreds of local suppliers and transporters. With most raw materials sourced domestically, the factory is expected to boost regional agri-businesses and rural incomes.
De Heus feed products are formulated to promote animal health, improve reproductive cycles, and enhance productivity, ultimately raising farmers’ profitability.
Global Vision, Local Commitment
Co De Heus, Chairman of the Board of Royal De Heus, described the opening as an extension of the company’s long-term commitment to India. “Royal De Heus is a fourth-generation, family-owned enterprise that thrives on close partnerships with farmers and distributors,” he said. “In India, our focus goes beyond products — we provide on-farm training, extension services, and access to global nutritional expertise, ensuring sustainable growth for local communities.”
Founded in the Netherlands over a century ago, Royal De Heus has a global presence in over 80 countries. The Rajpura facility marks another step in the company’s expansion in South Asia, reflecting its confidence in India’s growing livestock and dairy sectors.
