Odisha’s Go-Palan Yojana Gains Momentum with High Milk-Yielding Cow Induction, Empowering Dairy Farmers

Bhubaneswar: The Go-Palan Yojana (GPY), launched under the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY) to revolutionize dairy farming in Odisha, has recorded significant initial success. In the last three months alone, around 1,000 high milk-yielding cows have been inducted into the state, signaling rapid progress in enhancing rural livelihoods through improved dairy productivity.

The program facilitates the procurement of superior dairy breeds by providing up to 70% subsidy on project costs. Farmers are encouraged to source cows—yielding at least 10 litres of milk per day—from outside Odisha, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. The initiative empowers farmers to choose their preferred breeds while engaging private suppliers, ensuring both transparency and better outcomes.

The initiative is being vigorously promoted with top-level involvement. Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick and Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth formally issued project go-ahead letters during the recently concluded Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO)-2025. Their backing has played a key role in encouraging more farmers to participate and scale up their dairy ventures.

Notably, the scheme has also ensured swift subsidy disbursal, with district authorities releasing funds within 7 to 10 days of project completion. This efficient execution is encouraging youth, livestock farmers, and rural entrepreneurs to adopt dairy farming with renewed confidence.

Kandhamal district has emerged as a model of success, becoming the first district to complete GPY projects for three women dairy farmers. This milestone highlights the scheme’s inclusive approach, focusing not just on economic growth but also on gender equity and rural empowerment.

With high-quality dairy cows reaching even remote regions, the Go-Palan Yojana is being seen as a game-changer for Odisha’s dairy economy, aimed at making the state self-sufficient in milk production while uplifting small-scale farmers.