Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has cautioned cattle smugglers in the state to stop smuggling cows or face severe consequences. Speaking at the Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha conclave, CM Majhi urged the majority of small and marginal farmers in Odisha to consider fish farming, dairy farming, and animal husbandry alongside traditional agriculture. He emphasized the importance of diversification due to shrinking landholdings caused by population growth and highlighted government schemes supporting these initiatives.
Under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, a flagship program with a budget of Rs 1,400 crore, farmers are receiving financial aid of up to 70% to promote the rearing of high milk-yielding cows and buffaloes. This scheme has already benefited 4.73 lakh beneficiaries with financial assistance totaling Rs 262 crore, leading to a significant increase in milk production in the state. Additionally, an artificial insemination program using sex-sorted semen has benefited 2.30 lakh cattle rearers, contributing to improved income levels for farming families.
CM Majhi affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in fish, meat, poultry, and eggs in Odisha. He highlighted the state’s current fourth position in fish production and outlined ongoing efforts to secure the top rank in the sector through various initiatives. The Chief Minister stressed the success of schemes like Samruddha Krushak Yojana, PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, and Subhadra Yojana in boosting the annual income of farming families in the state.
