New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated a series of dairy and livestock initiatives in Mayurbhanj district on Jan. 13, aimed at bolstering rural livelihoods and tackling malnutrition. The programs, spearheaded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, aim to significantly enhance milk production, improve livestock quality and address nutritional challenges in the region, a PIB press release stated.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of 3,000 high-genetic-merit cattle to identified beneficiaries in the district under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This initiative, implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) with an allocation of ₹37.45 crore over five years, seeks to enhance milk production, strengthen rural incomes and promote sustainable livestock practices.
President Murmu launched a Market Support Program to bolster milk procurement, processing, and marketing in Odisha. This initiative aims to increase the state’s milk procurement capacity from 5 lakh to 10 lakh liters per day. This program focuses on building branding and distribution networks for better farmer returns.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu commended the DAHD’s efforts in transforming the dairy sector through forward-thinking policies and innovative interventions. She highlighted India’s leadership in milk production, which has grown at an impressive 6% annual rate over the last decade, surpassing global trends. She emphasized the need for advanced technologies, such as artificial insemination and sex-sorted semen, to enhance livestock productivity and dairy farming profitability.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajeev Ranjan Singh emphasized the success of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in breed improvement and productivity enhancement of indigenous bovine breeds. He lauded the efforts of DAHD and NDDB in driving rural economic growth and providing consistent support for strategic dairy initiatives.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the crucial role of livestock in fostering sustainable rural livelihoods and reiterated the state’s commitment to advancing the dairy and livestock sectors through innovative and farmer-centric programs.
The event also saw the launch of the Gift Milk Program, designed to combat malnutrition among children. The program will provide 200 milliliters of flavored milk fortified with vitamins A and D to approximately 1,200 schoolchildren in Mayurbhanj district. Inaugurating the initiative virtually, President Murmu highlighted the positive impact of such programs on nutrition and education, expressing hope that similar interventions would be replicated nationwide.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with senior officials from the central and state governments.