Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a Rs 3 per litre hike for milk producers affiliated with OMFED (Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation), marking the state-level celebrations of World Milk Day 2025.
The event was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development.
To support farmers further, the Chief Minister declared an accidental death assistance of Rs 1 lakh for OMFED-affiliated dairy farmers. He also launched three new OMFED products—Bucket Curd (Balti Dahi), A2 Milk, and A2 Desi Cow Ghee, made from the indigenous Binjharpuri cows of Odisha.
“Odisha is an agricultural state, and milk production forms a vital part of our rural economy. Our aim is to double the state’s current milk output of 26.4 lakh metric tonnes within five years,” said CM Majhi.
The Chief Minister distributed Rs 71 crore in financial assistance to nearly 3 lakh cattle rearers under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana for FY 2024–25. Additional support of Rs 10.5 crore was extended to 77 registered cow shelters across the state for the upkeep of stray and helpless cattle.
Under the scheme, the government is providing 70% financial assistance for cattle farming, buffalo rearing, calf management, livestock insurance, and fodder cultivation. Registered cowsheds are also being granted Rs 20,000 per cow in two installments for maintenance purposes.
“With an outlay of Rs 186 crore, the Kamadhenu Yojana is transforming the dairy sector and ensuring that helpless cattle are properly sheltered and cared for,” the Chief Minister said. So far, Rs 9 crore has been disbursed to 68 cowsheds in the first phase, and Rs 10.5 crore has been released to 77 cowsheds in the second phase.
The revised milk procurement rate is expected to benefit approximately 2.5 lakh dairy farmers across Odisha. Of the Rs 4 per litre price increase to consumers, the state government will bear Rs 2 per litre, ensuring improved income for producers while minimizing the burden on consumers.
Since 2001, World Milk Day has been observed globally on June 1 to recognize the importance of milk in nutrition, rural livelihoods, and economic growth. This year’s theme—“Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy”—resonates with Odisha’s ongoing efforts to become a model dairy-producing state.
“We want to realize the dream of a Milk-Rich Odisha, Healthy Odisha,” the Chief Minister concluded.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, addressing the gathering, praised Odisha’s women for becoming self-reliant through dairy and organic compost production. She highlighted the role of Mission Shakti groups in driving rural entrepreneurship, calling them “Lakhpati Didis.”
Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasized that dairy and cattle farming are creating employment at grassroots levels, while Fisheries & Livestock Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik described the Kamadhenu Yojana as a “revolutionary initiative” in boosting milk production and rural prosperity.
The event was attended by livestock officials, cowherds, animal husbandry workers, and representatives from animal welfare organizations. Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth delivered the welcome address, and Director Vijay Amruta Kulange gave the vote of thanks.
