Odisha Govt Credits ₹31.1 Crore Incentives to Dairy Farmers Across State

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost for the dairy farming community, the Odisha Government has disbursed ₹31.1 crore as incentives to dairy farmers across the state through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Around one lakh dairy farmers registered with the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd (OMFED) received the incentive amounts, which varied depending on the volume of milk they supplied to OMFED between September 2024 and February 2025.

The incentive scheme, introduced to support farmers during the lean milk production season, offered ₹1 to ₹5 per litre of milk supplied. During this period, milk output typically declines, and the financial aid aimed to ease the burden on dairy farmers. The state government had also extended financial backing to OMFED to facilitate the initiative.

Currently, 11 district dairy cooperative societies operate under OMFED. Among these, the Cuttack cooperative has the highest number of registered farmers at 33,000, followed by Balasore with 18,000. Mayurbhanj has the lowest number, with just 531 farmers. Cuttack also received the largest share of incentives—₹13 crore—followed by Balasore with ₹5 crore. Other major allocations include Sambalpur (₹4.37 crore), the Balangir-Kalahandi-Nuapada cluster (₹2.62 crore), and Puri (₹2.32 crore). Mayurbhanj received the lowest disbursement at ₹20 lakh.

OMFED Managing Director Vijay Amruta Kulange confirmed that the incentive programme will continue next year as well, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the dairy sector and ensuring sustained support to farmers.