Bhubaneswar: In a move to support dairy farmers amid rising production costs, the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) has announced Rs 2 per litre increase in milk procurement price across the state.
It was informed by Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick at a press meet. He said due to increase in cattle feed price for increased transportation charges, farmers under primary cooperative society had earlier met the Chief Minister and put forth their demand to hike procurement price. The Chief Minister had also assured them to look into the matter.
“In view of this, our government and OMFED decided to pay Rs 2 more per litre to farmers for procurement effective from September 11. The decision has been taken under the directive of Chief Minister. Our government is committed to development of farmers and double their income,” Mallick said.
“We have now over 3 lakh dairy farmers in the State. We are currently procuring 7 lakh litres milk per day from the farmers,” Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick said at a press meet
The increased price will help resolve problems of farmers arising out of hike in feed price. He further said OMFED’s cattle feed is available in Chhattisgarh and now OMFED has planned to expand its dairy products reach in markets of other states.
“OMFED always maintains its transparency and quality and never compromised it unlike other private firms. We never compromised on quality and quantity, so its demand has increased in the market. We want the profit of OMFED to reach farmers at grassroots level,” the Minister added.
