Cuttack: The dairy sector in Odisha reached a significant milestone as Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development (FARD), conducted a high-level visit to the OMFED Arilo Plant in Cuttack. This visit marks a pivotal step in the state’s ambitious roadmap to transform its dairy economy, aligning with the Odisha Vision 2036 goals set by the state government.
Upon his arrival, Secretary FARD, Shri Chaudhary was received by OMFED Managing Director Shri Vijaya Amruta Kulange. The visit was characterized by a deep-dive review of the plant’s operational efficiency. Shri Chaudhary, an honest, hard working mandarin is known for his vast field-level expertise as a former District Collector and Director of Agriculture & Food Production, personally inspected the processing units and assessed quality control protocols.
His presence underscores the State Government’s commitment to shifting from traditional cattle rearing to a modern, technology-driven dairy industry.
He harped on ensuring the milk is free from synthetic additives, detergents, urea, or preservatives that are sometimes illegally used to increase volume or shelf life. And maintaining the natural levels of fats, proteins, and vitamins without diluting the product or stripping away its essential health benefits.
During the discussions held with plant officials and the management team, the focus remained squarely on the futuristic “36-for-36” agenda. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister for Fisheries and ARD Shri Gokulananda Mallick, the State has set a staggering target: scaling up milk production to 165 lakh liters per day by 2036. This objective is not merely about volume but about nutrition and accessibility, aiming for a per capita availability of 300 grams per day for every citizen of Odisha.
To meet these targets, OMFED is currently undergoing a massive structural and technological overhaul. The Arilo plant, already a flagship facility with a 5-lakh liter daily capacity, is being viewed as the nerve center for this expansion. Secretary Shri Chaudhary emphasized that process optimization is the need of the hour. The plan involves upgrading the current infrastructure to handle increased procurement from a growing network of over 15 lakh dairy farmers.
The futuristic production plan presented during the visit highlights several key pillars of OMFED’s preparedness. First, the federation is leveraging the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana to distribute 10,000 high-yielding cow breeds like Gir and Sahiwal to farmers, supported by 70% financial assistance. Second, OMFED is diversifying its portfolio to include high-value products such as A2 milk, milk powder, and specialized sweets, which not only cater to urban demand but also ensure better margins for rural producers.
Shri Chaudhary noted that the “Gaumata Economy” being envisioned by the Chief Minister will be sustainable. This includes the establishment of biogas plants in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to convert animal waste into energy and organic fertilizer. Such initiatives are designed to create a circular economy where farmers earn not just from milk, but from every aspect of cattle rearing.
OMFED MD Shri Vijaya Amruta Kulange briefed the Secretary on the digitization of the supply chain, which will ensure transparency from the village-level Khira Dhara Kendras to the final consumer. The management is also focusing on “Odia Asmita” by positioning OMFED products as a symbol of the state’s purity and heritage, including the supply of 30 metric tonnes of ghee to the Shree Jagannath Temple.
The visit concluded with a clear directive to officials: ensure that the benefits of these mega-projects reach the grassroots. With the full support of the state administration and the seasoned leadership of Shri Chaudhary, OMFED is well-positioned to turn the vision of a “White Revolution 2.0” into a reality, making Odisha a self-reliant powerhouse in the national dairy landscape by 2036.