On Monday, 13th January 2025, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, virtually inaugurated several important initiatives for the dairy and livestock sectors in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. These programs, implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, aim to enhance rural livelihoods, improve livestock productivity, and address nutritional challenges in the region.
During the event, the Hon’ble President launched the "Cattle Distribution Program" under the National Gokul Mission in Mayurbhanj. As part of this initiative, 3,000 high-genetic-merit cows were distributed to selected beneficiaries in the district. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is collaborating with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to implement a productivity enhancement project, with an allocation of ₹37.45 crore over the next five years. The objective of this project is to promote milk production, strengthen rural incomes, and encourage sustainable livestock practices.
The Gift Milk Program was also launched during the event, which aims to combat malnutrition and improve the health of children. Under this program, approximately 1,200 schoolchildren in Mayurbhanj will receive 200 ml of flavoured milk enriched with Vitamins A and D. The Hon’ble President emphasized that this initiative is a positive step towards improving education and nutrition, and she called for its implementation across the country.
Increasing Milk Procurement Capacity from 5 Lakh to 10 Lakh Liters Per Day
The President also launched the Market Support Program, aimed at strengthening milk procurement, processing, and marketing in Odisha. This initiative will double the milk procurement capacity of the state from 5 lakh liters per day to 10 lakh liters per day. The program focuses on enhancing branding and distribution networks to provide better returns for farmers.
President Appreciates Progress in the Dairy Sector
The Hon’ble President appreciated the efforts being made in the dairy sector and highlighted India’s leadership in milk production. She mentioned that the country has witnessed a 6% annual growth in milk production over the last decade, surpassing the global average. The President also stressed the need for adopting advanced technologies such as Artificial Insemination and sex-sorted semen to increase livestock productivity and improve the income of dairy farmers.
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