Bhubaneswar: In a major push to strengthen the dairy sector and improve rural livelihoods, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a ₹3 per litre hike in milk procurement price for farmers associated with OMFED (Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation). The announcement came during the state-level celebration of World Milk Day 2025 at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, also saw the launch of three new OMFED products—Bucket Curd (Balti Dahi), A2 Milk, and A2 Desi Cow Ghee—made from the indigenous Binjharpuri breed of cows. These launches aim to promote native cattle breeds while expanding the state’s dairy offerings.
Highlighting the significance of dairy in the rural economy, CM Majhi said, “Odisha is an agricultural state and dairy farming is integral to our villages. We aim to double our milk production of 26.4 lakh metric tonnes over the next five years.” He added that the revised milk rates will benefit nearly 2.5 lakh dairy farmers across the state.
To further support the farming community, the Chief Minister announced accidental death assistance of ₹1 lakh for OMFED-affiliated dairy farmers. He also disbursed ₹71 crore in financial aid to nearly 3 lakh cattle rearers under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana for 2024–25, a flagship initiative to promote cattle and buffalo farming, calf care, livestock insurance, and fodder cultivation. In addition, ₹10.5 crore was sanctioned to 77 registered cowsheds for the maintenance of stray and abandoned cattle.
The Kamadhenu Yojana, with a total budget of ₹186 crore, offers up to 70% financial support for dairy-related activities. Registered cow shelters receive ₹20,000 per cow in two installments. So far, the government has released ₹9 crore to 68 cowsheds in the first phase, followed by ₹10.5 crore in the second phase.
To cushion the impact on consumers, the state government will bear ₹2 of the ₹4 per litre increase in milk prices, ensuring both producer welfare and consumer affordability.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida praised Odisha’s women for their growing role in dairy entrepreneurship, calling Mission Shakti members the “Lakhpati Didis” for their self-reliance through dairy and organic compost production.
Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan highlighted the employment potential of the dairy sector, particularly at the grassroots level. Fisheries and Livestock Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik termed the Kamadhenu Yojana a “transformational effort” in enhancing milk output and rural prosperity.
Observed globally since 2001, World Milk Day celebrates the contribution of milk to health, nutrition, and livelihoods. This year’s theme—“Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy”—echoes Odisha’s renewed commitment to building a strong, self-sufficient dairy economy.
“We are working toward a Milk-Rich Odisha, Healthy Odisha,” the Chief Minister concluded.
