Bhubaneswar: Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. launched ‘Go-Dhan’ on Monday, a flagship initiative to strengthen dairy farming in Odisha by improving farmers’ access to finance, government schemes, modern dairy practices, and technology.
The initiative was formally launched at the OUAT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar in the presence of representatives from the Odisha government, banking and the dairy sector.
Prem Chand Chaudhary, Secretary, Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, government of Odisha, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Shubhranshu, Managing Director, Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL), was the guest of honour.
Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, and R. G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., were also present.
Go-Dhan is expected to benefit 6,000 dairy farmers across 15 districts of Odisha. The initiative will facilitate greater access to institutional finance and relevant government support for investments in quality bovine breeds, improved cattle housing, farm mechanisation, nutrition and herd health.
The programme will also seek to leverage government subsidy schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, to help participating farmers access more affordable capital for strengthening and expanding their dairy operations.
Speaking on the initiative, Chandramogan said Hatsun Agro Product had been involved in the development of the dairy and animal husbandry sectors across South India for decades.
He said the company viewed the prosperity of dairy farmers as the foundation of a strong and sustainable dairy industry.
He said the Go-Dhan initiative aims to support the establishment of more than 6,000 dairy farms over the next three years in a phased manner, with a focus on improving farmer incomes, promoting scientific dairy farming and building a sustainable dairy ecosystem in Odisha.
Chandramogan also acknowledged the support of Odisha’s Department of Animal Husbandry, APICOL, State Bank of India and the state’s dairy farmers in making the initiative possible.
He said Hatsun Agro’s focus on dairy farming was linked to the role of dairy as a key component of secondary agriculture. According to him, strengthening dairy farming can also support primary agriculture by providing farmers with a stable and progressive source of income.
The company’s objective is to develop a strong dairy value chain in Odisha by producing and procuring milk within the state. The initiative is also intended to help meet consumer demand in Odisha and create opportunities to supply neighbouring markets, including West Bengal and North Andhra Pradesh.
Hatsun Agro said the initiative is aimed at creating greater opportunities and sustainable growth for dairy farmers while strengthening the regional dairy economy.
