Odisha's Kamdhenu Scheme: A Game Changer for Dairy Farmers

Boosting Dairy Production in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is on a mission to boost milk production by aiming to distribute 10,000 high-yielding cows to farmers through the Kamdhenu scheme, as announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday.

During the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Omfed in Cuttack, Majhi highlighted Omfed's crucial role in enhancing milk production and supporting dairy farmers towards achieving self-sufficiency.

The Chief Minister stated, “The Odisha government has set a goal to provide 10,000 high-yielding breed cows to farmers under the Kamdhenu scheme. This initiative aims to enrich the dairy economy of the state by promoting extensive dairy farming.”

As part of this collaboration, NDDB is set to supply approximately 4,000 high-yielding cows to local dairy farmers.

Moreover, NDDB will also aid in establishing a biogas plant powered by cow dung in Odisha soon. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented 22 milk storage tanks, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 litres, to various milk unions.

Additionally, he inaugurated three milk packaging machines to further enhance the milk supply chain. “With these new facilities, we can now collect a greater volume of milk from farmers,” Majhi remarked.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated residential quarters for Omfed employees. In a related agreement, Omfed has partnered with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to supply 30 metric tonnes of ghee for the Mahaprasad and other rituals associated with Lord Jagannath.

Under the Kamdhenu scheme, the government is offering up to 70% financial assistance to farmers to promote dairy development.

It is anticipated that around 1.5 million cowherds across the state will benefit from this initiative. In the financial year 2024-25, three lakh beneficiaries have already received assistance totaling Rs 71 crore.

Majhi also mentioned the implementation of the Gomata Yojana, aimed at the protection, management, and healthcare of cows.

Notable attendees included Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, Omfed president Kishore Chandra Pradhani, Omfed MD Vijay Amrita Kulange, F&ARD department principal secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth, and NDDB Dairy Services MD CP Devanand.