Aga Khan, Gujarat CM Discuss Development Partnership

GANDHINAGAR: New avenues for grassroots development cooperation between Gujarat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) took centre stage as Prince Rahim Aga Khan V paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Saturday.

The meeting focused on sustainable, inclusive and people-centric development, with discussions spanning water conservation, natural farming, millet cultivation, solar energy, cooperatives and women’s self-help groups.

Welcoming Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to Gujarat, Patel said the AKDN’s work in sustainable development, education, skill development, enterprise promotion and support for vulnerable communities closely aligns with Gujarat’s development approach.

The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s efforts in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and rejuvenation of water bodies, describing water conservation as a people’s movement across Gujarat.

Discussions also covered Gujarat’s initiatives to promote millets and natural farming. Patel highlighted the state’s Millet Development Scheme, aimed at expanding cultivation, creating awareness about millet’s health benefits and encouraging processing and value addition.

Solar energy emerged as another potential area of cooperation. Gujarat currently has 34,880 MW of installed solar capacity, while more than 8.39 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana against a state target of 10 lakh systems.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Gujarat’s extensive cooperative network. Patel said more than 87,000 cooperative societies operate across the state, with Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) serving as key grassroots institutions.

Women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship were also discussed, particularly initiatives supporting women through awareness programmes and enterprise-development training to help them establish micro-enterprises.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V expressed willingness to strengthen grassroots-level collaboration with the state government in areas of mutual interest.

Both sides agreed on the potential for deeper cooperation by combining their respective strengths for sustainable and holistic development.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the AKDN, with the network working across areas including environmental conservation, education, skills, entrepreneurship and community development.