Bhubaneswar: Hailing OMFED as the backbone of white revolution in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched a series of initiatives aimed at propelling the state’s dairy sector into a new era of growth.
The Chief Minister announced several measures at an event in Cuttack where an agreement was signed between National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED), aimed at enhancing milk production and empowering over 15 lakh dairy farmers across the state.
“OMFED is the backbone of Odisha’s white revolution.” Through strategic partnerships and infrastructure upgrades, the government aims to substantially increase milk production, from the current 72 lakh litres to 274 lakh litres by 2047,” said Majhi.
During the event, he inaugurated 62 staff quarters at OMFED Dairy Plant, new milk powder packaging machines, and distributed 22 advanced milk tankers across various dairy unions. These efforts, backed by Rs 7.5 crore investment, aim to boost collection capacity and improve milk quality.
A significant feature of the plan is the “Kamadhenu Scheme”, which targets the distribution of 10,000 high-yielding cow breeds (Gir, Sahiwal, Cross-bred) to farmers. Under this, beneficiaries will receive up to 70% financial assistance. In FY 2024–25 alone, 3 lakh farmers have already benefited from Rs 71 crore in aid.
In a bid to promote sustainability, a biogas plant will be set up with NDDB’s help. This plant will generate fuel from cow dung—providing both cooking gas and organic fertiliser—thus reinforcing Odisha’s vision of a thriving “Gaumata Economy.”
This apart, OMFED will diversify its product line to include ghee, paneer, ice cream, flavoured milk, pedas and more, creating fresh employment opportunities for youth. It will also supply over 30 metric tonnes of ghee for Lord Jagannath’s Mahaprasad.
The event was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallick, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, OMFED Chairman Kishore Pradhan, senior officials, and dairy union representatives. A presentation of the Kamadhenu Scheme was made via PowerPoint, followed by direct interaction between the CM and farmers.
The partnership between NDDB and OMFED aided by a clear roadmap is likely to transform the dairy sector in Odisha and boost rural progress in a big way.
