Odisha's Chief Minister Boosts Dairy Farmers with New Initiatives on World Milk Day

Support for Dairy Farmers in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Sunday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for milk farmers associated with the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (OMFED) in the event of accidental deaths.

During a state-level event celebrating 'World Milk Day', he revealed that farmers will receive an extra Rs 3 for each litre of milk delivered to OMFED.

As a result, the price of milk will rise by Rs 4 per litre, with the government covering Rs 2 and consumers paying an additional Rs 2, according to officials.

Majhi highlighted that the state produced approximately 26.4 lakh metric tonnes of milk in the financial year 2023-24.

While the national average for milk availability per capita stands at 471 grams, Odisha's figure is only 156 grams.

He emphasized the need to boost milk production to meet or exceed the national average, stating that the government aims to double production within the next five years.

To support this goal, the government has introduced the 'Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana' (MKY), which has a budget of Rs 1,423 crore over five years.

This scheme offers financial aid of up to 70% to beneficiaries, with a target of enrolling 15 lakh cattle-rearers.

In the previous financial year, around 3 lakh beneficiaries received Rs 71 crore through this initiative.

Additionally, the state has launched the 'Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana' (MPKY) with a budget of Rs 186 crore to establish new cow shelters and support existing ones.

Under MPKY, registered shelters receive Rs 20,000 per animal for care and maintenance, distributed in two payments. Last November, Rs 9 crore was allocated to 68 shelters, followed by another Rs 10.5 crore to 77 shelters, aiding approximately 22,000 stray and vulnerable cattle.

During the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled three new products from OMFED.

Notable attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik.

World Milk Day has been celebrated annually on June 1 since 2001 to raise awareness about the role of livestock keepers in nutrition and economic development, as well as the benefits of milk in a balanced diet.

This year's theme is 'Let’s celebrate the power of dairy'.