By Sarat Paikray
Odisha Dairy Sector: Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) has emerged as the driving force behind the White Revolution in Odisha. It has played a key role in empowering dairy farmers and boosting milk production in the state. Going forward, the Odisha Government aims to provide 10,000 high-yielding cows to farmers under the Chief Minister’s Kamadhenu Yojana to further enhance milk production.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, while attending the signing ceremony of an MoU between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and OMFED in Cuttack today, stated that the state’s dairy economy would be strengthened by promoting dairy farming.
According to the MoU, the NDDB will provide around 3,000 to 4,000 high-yielding cows of Gir, Sahiwal, and crossbred varieties to Odisha dairy farmers through OMFED. Additionally, with NDDB’s assistance, a biogas plant will be set up in the state in the near future.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated 22 milk tankers with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 liters, funded with an investment of ₹7.5 crore, and launched three pouch milk packaging machines built at a cost of ₹3.5 crore.
He further stated that with these new facilities, a much higher volume of milk can now be procured from farmers. Currently, Odisha’s milk production stands at 72 lakh liters per day, with the government targeting an increase to 165 lakh liters by 2036 and 274 lakh liters by 2047.
Highlighting OMFED’s significant contribution to the dairy sector over the past 45 years in production, procurement, and marketing, he said that the federation is now diversifying its product range to include ghee, paneer, butter, chhena poda, ice cream, flavored milk, sweet curd, peda, rabidi, and more, creating livelihood opportunities for youth.
OMFED has also signed an MoU with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to supply about 30 metric tonnes of ghee for the preparation of Mahaprasad and other offerings to Lord Jagannath.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish a biogas plant with NDDB’s support. This will allow farmers to generate biogas from cow dung for personal use and commercial sale. The slurry left after gas extraction can be used as organic fertilizer to increase agricultural productivity, providing additional income to cattle owners and strengthening the state’s cow-based economy.
He further noted that due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various people-centric schemes, India’s per capita milk availability has reached 471 grams — significantly higher than the global average.
Under the Chief Minister Kamadhenu Yojana, the state government provides up to 70% financial assistance to farmers for dairy development. This is expected to benefit about 15 lakh cattle rearers. In the 2024–25 fiscal year alone, 3 lakh beneficiaries have received aid totaling ₹71 crore under this scheme.
Additionally, the government has introduced the Gomat Yojana for the protection, management, and treatment of cattle, and plans to support newly established and registered goshalas (cow shelters) under the Chief Minister Pashu Kalyan Yojana. These efforts are expected to significantly boost per capita milk production in the state.
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 62 staff quarters at the OMFED dairy plant and unveiled a new milk storage tank and milk powder packaging machine.
Later, during a departmental meeting at the OMFED headquarters, officials briefed the Chief Minister on the Kamadhenu Yojana through a PowerPoint presentation. The Chief Minister also interacted with dairy farmers to understand their concerns and feedback.
The event was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Cuttack MP Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, OMFED Chairman Shri Kishore Chandra Pradhani, Principal Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Shri Suresh Kumar Vashisth, NDDB Director of Dairy Services Shri Debanand, OMFED Managing Director Shri Bijay Amrut Kulange, members of the OMFED board, and heads of various dairy cooperatives.
