Bureau (13 January 2025): President Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated the Go-Samavesh, Omfed Marketing Assistance, and Gift Milk programs at an event held at Mahatab Bhavan in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district. The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Professor S.P. Singh Baghel.
The event was also attended by State Ministers Ganesh Ramsingh Khuntia and Gokulananda Mallik, Mayurbhanj MP Nav Charan Majhi, Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mahanta, Rairangpur MLA Jalen Nayak, Sarasakana MLA Bhada Hansa, NDDB Chairman Dr. Minesh Saha, and Odisha Government's Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Suresh Kumar Vashistha.
In her address, President Murmu emphasized the importance of animal husbandry in rural economies and household incomes. She highlighted the diverse livestock breeds in India and their contribution to the country's agricultural development. The government has taken several measures and policies to promote the development and genetic improvement of these breeds.
President Murmu praised India's success in the dairy sector, noting the significant growth in milk production over the past decade. She also acknowledged the need for further improvements in animal health and praised the objectives and efforts of the National Gokul Mission.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke about the state's initiatives for livestock development, including the Kamdhenu Scheme and Goshala Scheme for stray and helpless cattle. He emphasized the cultural significance of cow service and its role in alleviating suffering.
The event also saw the distribution of high-quality dairy cows to 3,000 farmers in Mayurbhanj district and the inclusion of 19 schools in the Gift Milk program, providing nutritious milk to 1,184 students to support their physical and mental development.
