Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to enhance the nutrition provided to school students by including 200 ml of fortified milk daily in the mid-day meal scheme. Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik announced the initiative, which aims to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren. The milk, flavored and enriched with Vitamin A and D, is a part of the government’s broader nutrition strategy.
This announcement follows President Droupadi Murmu’s virtual launch of the National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) Giftmilk Program in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district. Under this initiative, 1,184 students across 29 schools in 200 villages will benefit from free fortified milk distribution.
Minister Mallik also shared details of a Rs 38 crore initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, aimed at improving dairy farming in Mayurbhanj. A total of 3,000 high-quality dairy cows sourced from Gujarat will be distributed among farmers in 26 blocks, with 1,000 beneficiaries from the Rairangpur subdivision receiving one cow each. The program is designed to enhance the genetic quality of local cattle breeds and boost milk production.
The state’s Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, a five-year project with a budget of Rs 1,423.47 crore, will provide 70% financial assistance to farmers for rearing indigenous cattle breeds like Gir and Sahiwal, known for their high milk yield. This initiative also includes subsidies for calf feed, enhanced livestock insurance, and support for small dairy units and cooperatives.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the importance of financial security for farmers. Under the livestock insurance program, the government will cover 85% of the premium, making it affordable for dairy farmers. The measures are part of the state’s vision for economic empowerment of women, tribal communities, and marginalized groups.
President Murmu praised the NDDB’s Rashtriya Gokul Mission for its efforts in promoting animal husbandry. She highlighted the potential for further growth in India’s diverse livestock sector. Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Rajeev Ranjan Singh also lauded the initiatives during the program’s launch.
These steps align with the vision of a self-sufficient and economically empowered Odisha, driving sustainable development for its communities.
