Cuttack, Jul 19: In a major push toward self-sufficiency in dairy farming, the Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and OMFED to scale up milk production and farmer welfare across the state.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at the event in Cuttack, outlined the state's vision to uplift dairy farmers and enhance the state’s "white economy." As part of this initiative, the state aims to distribute 10,000 high-yielding Gir, Sahiwal, and crossbreed cattle to farmers under the Kamadhenu Yojana.

Currently, the state’s milk output stands at 72 lakh litres per day. The government aims to increase this to 165 lakh litres by 2036, and further to 274 lakh litres by 2047. To facilitate this growth, NDDB will help install a biogas plant in Odisha, converting cow dung into usable gas and fertilizer to generate additional income for farmers.

On this occasion, the CM Majhi flagged off 22 milk tankers — each with a capacity ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 litres — provided to various dairy unions in the state, at an investment of ₹7.50 crore. He also launched three advanced milk packing machines, constructed at a cost of ₹3.50 crore.

OMFED’s dairy diversification efforts include producing ghee, paneer, flavoured milk, ice cream, and sweets like peda and rabidi — creating rural job opportunities, especially among youth.

OMFED has also entered into an agreement with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to supply around 30 metric tons of ghee for temple offerings. During the event, quarters for dairy plant employees and new equipment were inaugurated to strengthen supply chains.

The Chief Minister stated that due to the farsighted leadership and people-centric schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, per capita milk production in India has reached 471 grams — significantly higher than the global average. The state government, too, is making strides to boost dairy output by offering up to 70% financial assistance to farmers under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana. This scheme is expected to benefit nearly 15 lakh cattle rearers across the state. In the financial year 2024–25, over 3 lakh beneficiaries have already received ₹71 crore in support.

To ensure safe handling and healthcare of livestock, the state has implemented the Gomata Yojana. The government also aims to assist newly established and registered goshalas under the Mukhyamantri Pashu Kalyan Yojana. These efforts, the Chief Minister said, will collectively contribute to increasing per capita milk production across Odisha.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated 62 quarters for employees of the OMFED dairy plant, alongside newly installed milk storage tanks and milk powder packaging machines.

At the central conference hall of OMFED, departmental officials presented a detailed PowerPoint briefing to CM Majhi about the Kamadhenu Yojana. He also held direct interactions with dairy farmers, listening to their concerns and suggestions.

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