Prez Launches 3 Dairy Initiatives To Boost Livestock & Rural Economy In Odisha

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated three new initiatives – Cow Induction, Gift milk, and Market Support – for Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) to enhance dairy productivity and market access for farmers, from Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

These will be implemented under the guidance of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Speaking on the occasion, Murmu said that livestock plays an important role in the rural economy and in the income of rural households. “This initiative would improve the economic status of rural cattle farmers. India’s diverse livestock breeds have enriched our agricultural heritage. Our strides in milk productivity reflect a steadfast commitment to excellence in animal husbandry, but more can be done to improve animal health,” she said

The President further emphasised on India’s remarkable achievements in milk production, attributing it to strategic breed development and genetic upgradation efforts. “The productivity of our Milch cattle has seen extraordinary growth in the last 10 years. The quality of food products and those obtained from animals, including milk, will also improve by paying attention to both the number and health of livestock,” she added.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi were present.

Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, 3,000 high-quality milch cows will provided to beneficiaries in 26 blocks of Mayurbhanj district. Of these, 1,000 beneficiaries in Rairangpur sub-division will receive one cow each facilitated by NDDB. These cows sourced from Gujarat to improve the genetic quality of cattle, enabling dairy farmers to produce more milk and achieve economic growth and better living standards, a government statement said.

The Gift Milk initiative will address malnutrition among school children by providing 200 ml of flavoured milk fortified with Vitamin A and D.