Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8 (UDN): In a move aimed at providing relief to dairy farmers facing rising input costs, the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) has announced a Rs 2 per litre increase in the milk procurement price across the State, effective September 11.
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Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick announced the decision at a press conference, stating that the increase followed demands raised by dairy farmers over the rising cost of cattle feed and transportation.
Decision Follows Farmers’ Demand
According to the minister, members of primary milk cooperative societies had earlier approached Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking an increase in the procurement price.
Following the discussions, the State Government and OMFED decided to raise the amount paid to farmers by Rs 2 per litre with effect from September 11.
Mallick said the move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the dairy sector and improving farmers’ incomes.
Over 3 Lakh Dairy Farmers In OMFED Network
The minister said more than 3 lakh dairy farmers are currently associated with the dairy cooperative network in Odisha.
OMFED is procuring around 7 lakh litres of milk every day from farmers across the State, he added.
The revised procurement price is expected to provide some relief to producers dealing with higher expenditure on cattle feed and transportation.
OMFED Eyes Wider Market Reach
Mallick also said OMFED is looking to expand the reach of its dairy products beyond Odisha.
He stated that OMFED cattle feed is currently available in Chhattisgarh and indicated plans to increase the presence of the federation’s dairy products in markets in other States.
The minister further stressed that OMFED would continue to focus on quality and transparency while ensuring that the benefits generated by the cooperative reach farmers at the grassroots level.
The procurement price revision is expected to strengthen the dairy cooperative system while providing additional support to milk producers amid rising production costs.