Odisha CM warns cattle smugglers, urges farmers to embrace dairy, fish and animal husbandry
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday warned cattle smugglers in the state to desist from smuggling cows, failing which they would face stringent punishment.
Majhi issued the stern warning during his address while inaugurating the grand three-day Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO-2026) conclave in Bhubaneswar here on Wednesday.
In his speech, CM Majhi also advised the farmers in Odisha, around 92 per cent of whom are small and marginal farmers, to undertake fish farming, dairy farming and animal husbandry.
"Owing to population growth, landholdings are likely to shrink further in the coming days. Therefore, along with agriculture, farmers should also take up fish farming, dairy farming and animal husbandry. To support this, the government has implemented several schemes," said the Chief Minister.
CM Majhi highlighted the state government's flagship programme, Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, launched with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1,400 crore. He further said that under the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, farmers are being provided with financial assistance of up to 70 per cent to encourage the rearing of cross-bred high milk-yielding cows and buffaloes.
Through this flagship scheme, financial assistance amounting to Rs 262 crore has been provided to 4.73 lakh beneficiaries. Majhi noted that over the past one and a half years, milk production in the state has increased by 1.35 lakh litres compared to earlier levels.
Due to the implementation of an artificial insemination programme using sex-sorted semen to ensure the birth of female calves, 2.30 lakh cattle rearers in the state have benefited. CM Majhi, on the occasion, said that the annual income of an average farming family has now exceeded Rs 61,000, thanks to the effective implementation of the schemes, such as Samruddha Krushak Yojana, PM-Kisan and CM-Kisan schemes, and the Subhadra Yojana.
He further asserted that the government is determined to make the state self-reliant in fish, meat, poultry, and eggs. He noted that Odisha currently ranks fourth in fish production, and efforts are ongoing to achieve the top position.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, a strong stance against cattle smuggling! It's a menace that affects both farmers and our rural economy. The focus on dairy and fisheries is the need of the hour. Diversification is key for farmer income. Good to see concrete schemes with financial aid.
While the intent is good, I'm skeptical. Announcing schemes is one thing, ground-level implementation is another. Many farmers lack the initial capital and knowledge for fish or dairy farming. The government must ensure robust training and easy access to credit, not just subsidies.
The use of sex-sorted semen technology to ensure female calves is a smart, scientific move. It directly addresses the milk production goal. More states should adopt such forward-thinking methods in animal husbandry. The income increase to ₹61,000 is a positive step, but still quite low.
Odisha aiming for top spot in fish production is ambitious and welcome! Our coastline is a huge asset. Combining agriculture with aquaculture (like paddy-cum-fish culture) can be a game-changer for marginal farmers. Hope the infrastructure for storage and transport is also developed.
As someone from a farming family, I appreciate the warning to smugglers. Losing a cow is a huge emotional and financial blow. The support for high-yielding breeds is crucial. But the government must also ensure veterinary services are accessible and affordable in remote villages. 🐄
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