New Delhi : The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, virtually inaugurated a series of impactful initiatives in the dairy and livestock sector in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Spearheaded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, these programs aim to enhance rural livelihoods, improve livestock productivity and address critical nutritional challenges in the region.
On the occasion several dignitaries including Union Minister, Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Union Minister , Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education; Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj ; George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs and Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha.
During the event, the President of India inaugurated the Cattle Induction Program in Mayurbhanj under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This initiative included the distribution of 3,000 high-genetic-merit cattle to identified beneficiaries in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission scheme of DAHD, a Productivity Enhancement project is being implemented by the National Dairy Development Board in Mayurbhanj with an allocation of ₹37.45 crores over five years.
The program seeks to enhance milk production, strengthen rural incomes, and promote sustainable livestock practices. As part of the event, the Gift Milk Program was also launched. Designed to combat malnutrition and improve the health of the children, this program will provide 200 ml of flavoured milk fortified with Vitamins A and D to approximately 1,200 schoolchildren in Mayurbhanj district.
While virtually inaugurating the initiative, the President of India noted the positive impact of such programs on nutrition and education, expressing hope that such efforts would serve as a model for similar interventions nationwide. Additionally, the President launched a Market Support Program to strengthen milk procurement, processing and marketing in the State of Odisha. This initiative is aimed at increasing milk procurement capacity in the state from 5 lakh liters per day to 10 lakh liters per day. This program focuses on building branding and distribution networks to ensure better returns for the farmers.