President Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated a series of initiatives in the dairy and livestock sectors in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, on January 13, 2025. These projects, led by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, aim to uplift rural livelihoods, boost livestock productivity, and tackle pressing nutritional challenges.
Among the prominent initiatives launched was the Cattle Induction Program under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The program, which saw the distribution of 3,000 high-genetic-merit cattle to beneficiaries in Mayurbhanj, is part of a broader Productivity Enhancement project being implemented by National Dairy Development Board. With an allocation of Rs 37.45 crores over five years, the project aims to increase milk production, strengthen rural incomes, and promote sustainable livestock practices.
The event also marked the launch of the Gift Milk Program, which aims to combat malnutrition and improve the health of children in the region. This initiative will provide 200 ml of flavoured milk fortified with Vitamins A and D to around 1,200 schoolchildren in Mayurbhanj, further supporting the nutritional and educational needs of young learners.
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu praised the positive impact of these initiatives, expressing hope that they would serve as a model for similar interventions across the country. She also inaugurated the Market Support Program, which seeks to strengthen milk procurement, processing, and marketing in Odisha. The program aims to double the milk procurement capacity in the state from 5 lakh liters per day to 10 lakh liters per day, while also focusing on building branding and distribution networks to ensure better returns for farmers.
The President highlighted India's impressive leadership in milk production, which has grown at an annual rate of 6% over the past decade, surpassing global trends. She also stressed the importance of adopting advanced technologies like Artificial Insemination and sex-sorted semen to boost livestock productivity and increase the profitability of dairy farming.
Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh, emphasized the success of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which has significantly contributed to the improvement of indigenous bovine breeds and overall productivity. He commended the efforts of the DAHD and NDDB in driving rural economic growth and providing consistent support for dairy initiatives while improving market connectivity for farmers.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighted the crucial role of livestock in fostering sustainable rural livelihoods. He reiterated the state’s commitment to advancing the dairy and livestock sectors through innovative and farmer-centric programs that would help elevate the economic status of farmers.
The event was attended by several other dignitaries, including Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, along with senior officials from the DAHD and the Odisha government.
