Odisha’s Kamadhenu Scheme Benefits Over 1.6 Lakh Livestock Farmers

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Scheme has emerged as a major support system for livestock farmers, extending financial assistance to thousands across the state. Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik, shared the details in the Assembly while responding to a question by MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo.

According to the Minister, the scheme—launched in 2024-25—has benefited 5,354 cow rearers, 967 buffalo rearers, and 1,59,978 members of milk producers’ cooperatives. Financial aid amounting to ₹64.83 crore has been disbursed to cow rearers, ₹12.84 crore to buffalo rearers, and ₹42.20 crore to cooperative members through OMFED.

The state has also provided ₹2.04 crore to 1,173 beneficiaries under the fodder development programme. As part of the initiative, 9,601 cows have been procured, contributing to an estimated increase of 96,000 litres of milk production per day, the Minister informed.