Milk production increased threefold in Odisha in last two decades: CM

Bhubaneswar: Milk production in Odisha has increased threefold in last two decades, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today.

“Milk production has increased threefold during the last two decades in the state. Milk is essential for growth of children and it’s a nutritious food. The state government is providing financial assistance up to Rs 1 crore for entrepreneurship development in dairy sector under Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana,” said the Chief Minister in a video message during the celebration of National Milk Day at the Convention Centre of Lokseva Bhawan here today.

The Chief Minister paid tribute to Verghese Kurien, the father of White Revolution in the country, on the occasion.

Under the 5T initiative of the state government, an ultramodern dairy plant of 5 lakh litre capacity per day has been established at Arilo. Around 3 lakh dairy farmers are being benefitted through OMFED and the state government is taking measures like vaccination, deworming of cattle in Odisha. As dairy farming is related to development of famers and women of the state, the state government is putting focus on it, said the Chief Minister.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said OMFED and private dairies in the state are doing good job. They must ensure production and supply of quality products for the consumers of the state, he added.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development department Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth said financial assistance of Rs 1.18 lakh is being provided to the farmers to establish small dairy units with two buffalos as a measure of providing livelihood and multiplying their income.