Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that the state has witnessed a 118 percent growth compared to the year 2000 in milk production.

Pic Courtesy: www.pixabay.com Pic Courtesy: www.pixabay.com

Addressing a seminar in Bhubaneswar yesterday, Patnaik quoted a survey report of Union Government and said, “Farmers' average household monthly total real income in Odisha is found to have been doubled during the period from 2003 to 2013.”

“Contribution from animal farming was reported to be significant as there was 33.35 times increase in income from this source during the period. Similarly, the egg and meat productions have registered growth rates of 164 percent and 341 percent respectively since 2000,” he added.

Naveen further explained that the policy undertakings of his government have resulted in the growth.

“For the overall growth of dairy sector, the State Government has announced a comprehensive Bovine Breeding Policy one year back. With the policy framework put in place, I expect the farmers would be encouraged to adopt advanced technologies to enhance the productivity of their dairy animals and to earn higher income.”

Besides, he further briefed that partnerships with nationally reputed organizations like BAIF Foundation and JK Trust have been made to utilize their long experiences and expertise.

In addition, Sorted Semen Technology is being introduced in the state on a pilot scale in Salepur, Niali, Mahanga, Nischintkoili and Kantapada Blocks in Cuttack district currently.

The Government has also planned to use this modern method through BAIF Development Research Foundation in five districts namely: Angul, Subarnapur, Bargarh, Sambalpur and Bolangir in 25 high performing Cattle Development Centres. This should be extended to the entire state after the pilot phase, said a press notification issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.