Bhubaneswar, Sep 13 (UNI) Animal husbandry and dairy sectors are vital for India’s food security, rural development, and economic growth, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
Addressing the Monsoon Meet 2024, hosted for the first time in Odisha by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, Majhi emphasised the importance of these sectors.
He noted that animal husbandry and dairy sectors provide essential nutrients like milk, meat, eggs, and fish, meeting the dietary needs of a growing population.
The dairy sector alone, he pointed out, contributes significantly to the national economy, with India being the world’s largest milk producer.
Animal husbandry also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and soil fertility, making it an integral part of sustainable agriculture.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that the significance of these sectors extends beyond economic benefits, as they also contribute to social and environmental sustainability.
He added that these sectors provide a source of income and employment for rural communities, particularly small and marginal farmers, tribal communities, and women.
Furthermore, animal husbandry and dairy farming can help reduce poverty and improve livelihoods in rural areas, making them essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Majhi stated that this meeting would provide a forum for sharing ideas and experiences, learning best practices from each other, and shaping a shared vision for a developed India (Vikshit Bharat) through collaboration and convergence.
He emphasised that the livestock sector is a key driver of growth in the agrarian economy, contributing around 30 percent to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA).
The Chief Minister also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of improving the lives of small farmers by expanding the scope of animal husbandry, improving animal health, and promoting pisciculture and beekeeping in villages.
Majhi expressed his gratitude to the Government of India, the Union Ministers, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for giving Odisha the opportunity to host the “Monsoon Meet, 2024.”
He also extended his thanks to the ministers of all the states and Union Territories for attending the event.
Majhi hoped that the discussions during the meeting would achieve their objectives, paving the way for progress, growth, and success.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, and Odisha Fisheries & ARD Minister Gokulanand Mallik attended the meet.
National Dairy Development Board Chairman, Dr. Meenesh Shah, State Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, ministers of Animal Husbandry from various States and Union Territories, Principal Secretaries, Directors, and senior delegates representing the Government of India and different States and Union Territories, officials from the National Dairy Development Board, senior officials from State Governments, OMFED, scientists, and ICAR institutions were also present at the meet.
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