Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has rolled out a series of significant initiatives aimed at the holistic development of the animal husbandry, veterinary, and fisheries sectors during the state-level event marking World Veterinary Day at the State Convention Center.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Shri Gokulananda Mallik Secretary FARD, Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary graced the occasion. Secretary FARD Shri Chaudhary presented details and coordinated entire program, which scripted success.
Highlighting the importance of animal health infrastructure, the Chief Minister inaugurated 76 newly constructed veterinary hospitals and four livestock aid centers built at an investment of 100 crore rupees.
To further expand this network, MoUs were signed with six PSUs for the construction of 219 new veterinary hospitals and diagnostic labs with an outlay of 177 crore rupees. This expansion includes the establishment of a state-level molecular laboratory at Phulnakhara in Cuttack costing 10 crore rupees.
Additionally, the government will strengthen the state-level feed testing laboratory with an investment of 6 crore rupees to ensure the quality of animal feed.
Empowering poultry farmers and fishers was a key focus of the event. On the occasion of OPOLOFED’s 50th anniversary, a dedicated marketing center for brown eggs and indigenous Aseel chicken was launched to ensure better pricing for farmers.
For the fishing community, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Bhadrak Kasia fish landing center and modernization works at Dhamra fishing harbor, projects worth a combined 50 crore rupees.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister lauded veterinarians as the voice for the voiceless and described them as essential pillars of the rural economy. He emphasized that traditional farming alone is not enough to multiply farmers’ income, underscoring the need to boost allied sectors like dairying, poultry, and goat rearing.
Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Shri Vijay Amruta Kulange joined the meeting, where successful farmers and veterinarians were felicitated for their contributions to the state’s growth.
The state government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana with a budget of 1,423 crore rupees, targeting over 15 lakh dairy farmers over the next five years. This scheme offers up to 70 percent assistance for rearing high-yielding cows. Furthermore, 33 crore rupees has been allocated under the Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana for new gaushalas and animal healthcare, while the Pranisampad Samrudhi Yojana will utilize 1,031 crore rupees to benefit 3.73 lakh families through poultry and egg production.
The Chief Minister reinforced the One Health approach, integrating animal health, food security, and public health. Under the Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047, the state aims for self-sufficiency in milk, eggs, and meat, with a specific goal to make Odisha the fifth-largest egg producer in India by 2047. To bring services to the doorstep of farmers, the government will deploy 2,000 trained A-HELP community workers to assist with vaccination and livestock care in rural areas.