Odisha Reviews Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana Progress
Chief Secretary calls for effective implementation to boost milk production and farmer empowerment
Bhubaneswar : Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reviewed the progress of the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, Odisha’s flagship scheme designed to enhance milk production and strengthen the financial base of farmers engaged in cattle rearing. The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, highlighted both achievements and challenges since the scheme’s launch in September last year.
The Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, initiated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has been allocated a budget of Rs 1,423.47 crore for five years. The scheme is structured around three sub-schemes—Additional Subsidy Scheme for Cow Husbandry, Cattle Industrialisation Development Scheme, and Commercial Dairy Farms—each tailored to provide direct benefits and long-term sustainability to the dairy sector.
According to official data presented during the review, the scheme has generated significant interest among farmers. In the financial year 2024-25, authorities received 35,494 applications for cow husbandry projects, sanctioning 2,500 of them. Out of these, 1,727 projects have already been completed, with a total subsidy of Rs 24.5 crore disbursed. For the year 2025-26, the department recorded 23,929 applications, of which 4,184 were sanctioned. As of now, 596 projects have been completed, resulting in subsidy support of Rs 8.36 crore.
The scheme’s impact is already visible in milk production across Odisha. With the distribution of 9,170 buffaloes under the programme, daily milk output has increased by 10,080 liters, providing a much-needed boost to the state’s dairy sector. Officials said the scheme is not only meeting nutritional demands but also generating supplementary income for thousands of families.
During the review, Chief Secretary Ahuja underscored the importance of ensuring effective and timely implementation of the scheme. “The Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana has immense potential to transform rural livelihoods. What we need is close monitoring, expert guidance, and farmer-oriented interventions to achieve its full objectives,” he said.
He further directed officials to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the scheme through experts from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). The proposed assessment will provide technical recommendations, help identify gaps, and suggest corrective measures for strengthening the programme. “Farmers must feel the benefits directly. This scheme should not only raise milk output but also empower farmers financially,” Ahuja stressed.
Officials present at the meeting noted that efforts are being made to expand awareness campaigns, simplify application processes, and encourage participation from small and marginal farmers. Special focus will also be given to commercial dairy farming, which can attract youth and entrepreneurs into the sector, thereby creating employment opportunities alongside traditional cattle rearing.
The Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana is part of the state’s broader agricultural development roadmap, which aligns with the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and ensuring food security. With rising demand for milk and dairy products in urban as well as rural areas, the scheme is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between demand and supply.
The review meeting concluded with a call for greater synergy between government departments, cooperative societies, and farmer groups. Officials expressed confidence that with sustained support, Odisha could soon emerge as a model state in dairy development, ensuring both nutritional security and economic empowerment for rural households.
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