Talking to Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) employees on Thursday he said the Centre and State Governments had realised the importance and critical contribution renewable energy could make in the development of Gujarat.

Stating that a minister was given a separate portfolio, he lauded the efforts of the GEDA, first of its kind in the country, which has received more than 25 state- and national-level awards since its inception in June 1979.

Apart from being first to introduce solar cookers on a mass-scale, it set up first Urjagram of the country in Kandla. Windfarm in Mandvi was also first in the country.

The Minister also visited the agency's library and information services.