The Chief Secretary of Odisha, Manoj Ahuja, conducted a comprehensive review of the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, emphasising its effective implementation to ensure economic empowerment of dairy farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, was attended by senior officials, including Suresh Kumar Vashisth, Principal Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department.
Launched in September 2024 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the scheme envisions a five-year investment of Rs 1423.47 crore to prioritise livestock development and double daily milk production from 65 lakh litres to 130 lakh litres.
The scheme comprises three sub-components:
- General Cattle Rearing
- Buffalo Industrialisation Development
- Commercial Dairy Farming with Enhanced Subsidies
Key interventions include:
- Promotion of high-yield cattle breeds
- Balanced nutrition for livestock
- AI-powered dairy management systems
- Insurance and incentives for farmers
In FY 2024–25, 35,494 applications were received against a target of 2,500 beneficiaries under the cattle rearing sub-scheme. Of these, 2,892 were approved, and 1,727 projects were completed, disbursing Rs 24.5 crore in subsidies. In FY 2025–26, 23,929 applications have been received against a target of 10,000, with 5,385 approvals and 596 completions so far, amounting to Rs 8.36 crore in subsidies.
To date, 4,532 cows and 1,260 buffaloes have been distributed, contributing an additional 55,080 litres of daily milk production. The buffalo industrialisation sub-scheme has seen 568 projects completed in 2024–25 and 75 approved in 2025–26, with subsidies totalling Rs 9.17 crore.
The commercial dairy farming initiative has empowered micro-entrepreneurs, with 626 applications approved in 2024–25 and 144 in 2025–26, covering over 6,000 livestock units. The Go-Khadya Udyog Scheme has enabled 85% of beneficiaries to cultivate fodder, supported by Rs 35,000 per acre in subsidies and free mini kits.
Additionally, the Mai Bachuri Palan Yojana offers 50% fodder subsidy and 100% insurance coverage. Grass cultivation projects have expanded, with 623 initiated in 2024–25 and 185 in 2025–26.
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of maximising farmer benefits and ensuring robust implementation. He also called for evaluation and expert guidance from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) to enhance the scheme’s impact.
