Bhubaneswar, June 1: Marking World Milk Day 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced an incentive package for dairy farmers in the state. Milk producers affiliated with the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation (OMFED) will now receive an additional ₹3 per litre for milk supplied to the federation.
The announcement was made at a state-level event hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
Of the ₹4 per litre increase in consumer prices, the Chief Minister assured that the state government will shoulder ₹2 per litre to ease the burden on consumers.
In a further boost to farmer welfare, CM Majhi announced a ₹1 lakh accidental death benefit for the families of OMFED-affiliated milk producers.
During the event, three new OMFED products were launched: OMFED Bucket Curd, A2 Milk, and A2 Desi Cow Ghee.
Highlighting the importance of dairy in Odisha’s rural economy and nutrition, CM Majhi stated, “Odisha is an agrarian state, and milk production plays a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods. It not only provides income but also supports the nutritional needs of our population.” He noted that Odisha produced 26.4 lakh metric tonnes of milk in 2023–24, and efforts are underway to double this output in the next five years.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s support through schemes like the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, which offers up to 70% financial assistance for dairy activities such as cattle farming, buffalo rearing, calf management, livestock insurance, and fodder cultivation. In 2024–25, ₹71 crore was disbursed to nearly 3 lakh beneficiaries under the scheme.
Furthering the state’s commitment to animal welfare, the Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana has been launched with a budget of ₹186 crore. Under this initiative, registered goshalas (cow shelters) receive ₹20,000 per animal in two instalments for care and maintenance. In November 2024, ₹9 crore was distributed to 68 goshalas, and today, an additional ₹10.5 crore was allocated to 77 shelters, benefiting around 22,000 stray and destitute cattle.
The government has also allocated ₹10.5 crore to animal welfare organizations managing the 77 registered goshalas for continued care of abandoned cattle.
With these initiatives, CM Majhi expressed optimism about the future of the dairy sector in Odisha. “These efforts will lead to exponential growth in milk production and significantly improve the livelihoods of more than 2.5 lakh dairy farmers across the state,” he said.
