Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the importance of animal husbandry in strengthening farmers’ financial stability, especially for small, medium, and landless farmers. Speaking at the 23rd General Session of the Odisha State Non-Gazetted Veterinary Professionals Association, Majhi remarked that animal husbandry remains one of the most effective ways to increase rural incomes, offering a reliable path to financial resilience.
“Animal husbandry is among the oldest practices in human history and has evolved into a vital professional sector,” Majhi said, calling for young people to consider careers in agriculture and animal husbandry. “By embracing these fields, we can significantly enhance the financial conditions of our farmers,” he added.
The Chief Minister applauded the expertise of veterinary professionals, crediting their technical contributions for improved productivity and increased income among farmers. He encouraged veterinary staff to promote animal husbandry as both a profitable and respected profession, actively engaging with the community to raise awareness about government initiatives.
As part of its commitment to rural development, the Odisha government has allocated ₹697 crore for animal resource development in this year’s budget. New programs, including the Chief Minister’s Kamdhenu Yojana and Chief Minister’s Animal Welfare Yojana, are set to launch, aiming to boost milk production and advance animal welfare across the state.
Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokula Nanda Mallik also highlighted animal husbandry’s contribution to Odisha’s economy, ranking just after agriculture. He praised the hard work of “animal servants,” whose dedication supports the state’s growth.
During the event, Chief Minister Majhi honored four distinguished farmers from different districts for their achievements in animal husbandry, acknowledging their impact on the sector and rural livelihoods.