OMFED Plans Packaged Drinking Water, New Ice Cream Range in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) is preparing to expand beyond its existing dairy products with plans to introduce packaged drinking water and a new range of ice creams in multiple flavours.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the proposals are currently being discussed by the OMFED board. The new products will be rolled out in the market once the board gives its approval.

The minister also addressed concerns over the quality of OMFED milk amid recent reports of adulteration of milk and dairy products such as chhena and paneer in various parts of Odisha.

According to Mallik, OMFED follows a strict quality-control mechanism and subjects its milk to three levels of testing before it reaches consumers. Various quality parameters, including fat content, are checked as part of the process.

He maintained that the federation does not permit adulteration and said appropriate action would be taken whenever any such instance is detected.

Meanwhile, Mallik said the procurement price paid for OMFED milk has been increased by Rs 2. The move, he said, is intended to improve the financial returns received by dairy farmers and support their efforts towards greater economic self-reliance.

The proposed expansion into packaged water and flavoured ice creams is expected to broaden OMFED’s product portfolio and strengthen its presence in Odisha’s consumer market, while continuing its focus on supporting the state’s dairy farming community.