Bhubaneswar: In a move to support dairy farmers amid rising production costs, the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) Tuesday announced a hike of Rs two per litre in milk procurement price from September 11 in the state.
Announcing this, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick told reporters that due to rise in cattle feed price for increased transportation charges, farmers under primary cooperative society had earlier met the Chief Minister to press for procurement price hike. The Chief Minister had also assured them to look into the matter.
“In view of this, our government and OMFED decided to pay Rs two 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.
Stating that there are over 3 lakh dairy farmers in the state, he said OMFED is currently procuring 7 lakh litres milk per day from the farmers.
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.
Stressing that OMFED always maintains its transparency and quality and never compromised it unlike other private firms, the Minister said it never compromised on quality and quantity, so its demand has increased in the market. The profit of OMFED should also reach farmers at grassroots level, he added.
