On January 14, 2025, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, virtually inaugurated transformative initiatives in the dairy and livestock sector in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the programs aim to boost rural livelihoods, enhance livestock productivity, and combat malnutrition in the region.
1. Cattle Induction Program under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Distribution of 3,000 high-genetic-merit cattle to selected beneficiaries in Mayurbhanj.
Implementation of a ₹37.45 crore productivity enhancement project by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) over five years to improve milk production and promote sustainable livestock practices.
2. Gift Milk Program
Designed to address malnutrition, this program will provide 200 ml of fortified flavored milk containing Vitamins A and D to approximately 1,200 schoolchildren in Mayurbhanj.
The President highlighted the program’s potential to improve both health and educational outcomes for children.
3. Market Support Program
Aimed at doubling Odisha’s milk procurement capacity from 5 lakh to 10 lakh liters per day.
Focuses on enhancing milk processing, branding, and marketing to ensure better returns for farmers.
Impact and Vision
In her address, President Murmu emphasized India’s leadership in global milk production, with an annual growth rate of 6%, surpassing global averages. She urged stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies like artificial insemination and sex-sorted semen to further enhance livestock productivity and farmer profitability.
Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh highlighted the success of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which has significantly improved indigenous bovine breeds and contributed to rural economic growth. Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi praised the initiatives, reaffirming the state’s commitment to innovative, farmer-centric programs in the dairy and livestock sectors.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including:
Union Ministers Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Shri George Kurian.
Odisha Ministers Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Shri Gokulananda Mallik, and other senior officials from DAHD and NDDB.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards transforming Odisha’s dairy sector and rural economy. By addressing critical issues like malnutrition, productivity enhancement, and market support, the programs aim to set a benchmark for sustainable growth in the livestock and dairy sectors across India.
