Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said that the government will soon launch ‘Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana’ to substantially increase milk production in the state.
At the same time, the state government is keen to raise the income of farmers and Rs 697 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget for animal resource development, Majhi said while speaking at the 23rd General Session of Odisha State Non-Gazetted Veterinary Professionals Association in Bhubaneswar.
Notably, the state cabinet in September approved the new state-sector umbrella scheme Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana with an outlay of Rs 1,423.47 crore.
The scheme, which aims to increase milk production in the state, will benefit more than 15.47 lakh farmers. The state government will provide assistance for establishing small dairy units, subsidised calf feed, enhanced coverage under livestock insurance and strengthening dairy cooperatives under the scheme, sources said.
Noting that most of the farmers in Odisha are small, medium or landless, the Chief Minister said animal husbandry is the most effective means of increasing the income of the farmers for their financial stability.
Majhi noted that animal husbandry is one of the oldest forms of human society, and with changing times, it has evolved into various professional businesses. He encouraged young people to take up agriculture and animal husbandry as their main profession, which would revolutionize the financial condition of farmers.
The Chief Minister praised the technical knowledge of Veterinary Department employees, which has significantly contributed to increasing farmers’ income. He urged employees to promote animal husbandry as a profitable and respectful profession, conveying government schemes to the people.
Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokula Nanda Mallik acknowledged the significance of animal husbandry in the state’s economic development after agriculture.
The CM also felicitated four successful farmers from different districts, recognizing their contributions to the field.