Odisha gives Rs 200 cr subsidy to 4.5 lakh dairy farmers

What’s the news

The government of Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd. (OMFED), under Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana, has disbursed nearly ₹200 crore as subsidy to more than 4.5 lakh dairy farmers in the state.

Under this Yojana, eligible dairy farmers receive up to 70% subsidy, enabling many to purchase or rear milch animals. So far, over 8,000 farmers have acquired cows from outside the state under the scheme.

The scheme aims to double milk production in Odisha within five years. Currently, the state produces about 72 lakh litres of milk per annum.

Also, nearly 3 lakh dairy farmers are already linked with the cooperative’s network — spread over about 4,000 milk-producers' cooperative societies under OMFED.

In parallel, OMFED has expanded its processing capacity and launched new dairy-products. On this occasion, the government declared that a sex-sorted semen laboratory in Cuttack has been commissioned — a move aimed at improving cattle breeding, genetic quality of milch animals and long-term yield.

Why This Matters

• The large subsidy — ₹200 crore — aims to lower entry and rearing costs for small and marginal dairy farmers, thereby encouraging more households to join dairy farming.

• By enabling farmers to procure milch animals and linking them to cooperatives, the scheme strengthens milk procurement stability, rural livelihoods, and incomes.

• The expansion of processing capacity and improvements in breeding (via sex-sorted semen) suggest a long-term strategy to boost milk yield, quality, and productivity in the state.

• If successful, the plan to double milk production could significantly increase the supply of milk, reduce dependency on outside dairy supplies, and improve availability and affordability for consumers in Odisha and neighboring regions.

• Source : Dairynews7x7 Nov 29th 2025  Hans India