Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday held a comprehensive review meeting of District Chief Veterinary Officers at the Krushi Bhavan Auditorium, with a strong push to transform the livestock sector into a driver of rural entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Presiding over the meeting, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik urged veterinary officers to adopt a service-oriented approach and actively promote entrepreneurship in animal husbandry, poultry, and small livestock farming across the state.
A detailed assessment of key welfare schemes—including Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, Prani Sampad Samruddhi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana, Gomata Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana—was undertaken during the session. Officials were directed to ensure effective last-mile delivery and wider outreach of these initiatives among livestock farmers.
Highlighting the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, the Minister noted that the scheme offers subsidies of up to 70 percent for cow and buffalo rearing, with the broader objective of doubling milk production in Odisha by 2029. He instructed district-level officers to maximize beneficiary coverage under the scheme.
The meeting also focused on expanding broiler and layer poultry farming, along with piggery, goat, and sheep rearing. Stress was laid on increasing layer poultry units to significantly boost egg production. Officers were directed to facilitate the establishment of more poultry farms under the Prani Sampad Samruddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana.
Emphasizing cattle welfare, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to setting up new gaushalas and extending financial support to registered shelters. He called upon officials to ensure safe and adequate infrastructure for stray cattle management.
Referring to the state’s long-term development roadmap, Vision-2036, Mallik said the government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi aims to position Odisha among the leading states in egg, milk, and meat production. He noted that achieving this target would place Odisha among the top egg-producing states, while milk and meat output are projected to increase nearly fourfold.
Calling “inclusive development” the true benchmark of progress, the Minister urged veterinary officers to work with renewed dedication to ensure rural economic upliftment through effective implementation of livestock schemes.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Prem Chandra Chaudhary advised officials to ensure timely execution of all schemes with sincerity and accountability.
Earlier, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Siddharth Das delivered the welcome address. The meeting was attended by Chief Veterinary Officers and Additional Chief Veterinary Officers from all districts, along with senior departmental officials.
