Odisha Charts New Course for Dairy Sector; CM Majhi Unveils Reforms to Empower 15 Lakh Farmers

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to revitalise Odisha’s dairy sector, describing OMFED as a pillar of rural prosperity and the driving force behind the state’s white revolution.

Addressing a gathering in Cuttack during the signing of an MoU between the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Chief Minister said the government has set an ambitious target to raise milk production from the current 72 lakh litres per day to 274 lakh litres by 2047. The collaboration aims to transform the dairy landscape by improving infrastructure, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and creating sustainable rural livelihoods.

Highlighting the government’s vision for self-reliant villages, Majhi inaugurated 62 newly built staff quarters at the OMFED Dairy Plant and launched advanced milk powder packaging units along with 22 modern milk tankers. With an investment of ₹7.5 crore, these measures are expected to enhance the efficiency of milk collection and distribution while improving product quality and safety.

One of the flagship components of the initiative is the “Kamadhenu Scheme,” under which 10,000 high-yielding cows—such as Gir, Sahiwal, and cross-bred varieties—will be distributed to farmers with up to 70% financial assistance. In the current fiscal year alone, around 3 lakh farmers have received ₹71 crore in aid under the programme, significantly increasing milk output and incomes.

Reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, a biogas plant will also be set up with NDDB’s support to convert cow dung into cooking gas and organic fertiliser. The project is a step toward building what the Chief Minister called a “Gaumata Economy”—an integrated model of economic and ecological sustainability.

OMFED will also diversify its product range to include value-added dairy products like ghee, paneer, pedas, flavoured milk, and ice cream. The expansion is expected to open new markets and create job opportunities for rural youth. As part of its religious and cultural commitment, OMFED will supply over 30 metric tonnes of ghee for the preparation of Mahaprasad at Lord Jagannath’s temple in Puri.

The event was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallick, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, OMFED Chairman Kishore Pradhan, and senior officials from both the NDDB and state departments. A presentation on the Kamadhenu Scheme was followed by direct interaction between the Chief Minister and farmers from across the state.