Animal husbandry plays a vital role in the rural economy of Odisha, serving as a key source of livelihood for millions of small and marginal farmers, particularly in tribal and economically backward regions. The sector contributes significantly to the state’s agricultural GDP, providing food security, employment, and supplementary income to households.
According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), Odisha has witnessed a substantial growth in its livestock population, with cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and poultry forming the backbone of this sector. The state houses approximately 14.88 million cattle, 0.98 million buffaloes, 7.56 million goats, and 1.67 million sheep. Poultry farming has shown a remarkable surge, crossing 23.07 million birds in recent years, reflecting growing opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.
The Odisha government has also taken proactive steps to modernize animal husbandry through initiatives such as livestock insurance schemes, artificial insemination programs, and improved veterinary services, thereby boosting milk, meat, and egg production.
In this post, we will explore the current status, opportunities, and challenges facing animal husbandry in Odisha, supported by the latest data and policy developments, to understand its crucial role in the state’s socio-economic progress.
Table of Contents
Livestock Sector in Odisha: An Overview
The livestock sector in Odisha is a crucial component of the rural economy, being both livelihood-oriented and intensive. It plays a significant role in improving household income, ensuring nutritional security, and generating employment, especially in rural and tribal regions.
As per the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023, Odisha ranks:
- 9th in egg production,
- 12th in meat production, and
- 15th in milk production among Indian states.
The state contributes approximately 4.05% of India’s total livestock population as per the 20th Livestock Census (2019).
The sector accounts for 7.25% of Odisha’s Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), reflecting its economic importance. To support this vital sector, the state government has established an extensive veterinary care network comprising:
- 560 Veterinary Hospitals/Dispensaries (VDs), and
- 3,970 Livestock Aid Centres (LACs).
These institutions play a pivotal role in delivering veterinary healthcare services, disease control, and livestock management support to farmers across the state.
Additionally, Odisha has two Livestock Vaccine Production Institutes (LVPIs) actively engaged in the production of vaccines to safeguard livestock against various diseases, ensuring their health and productivity.
The livestock sector’s consistent growth, backed by government initiatives and infrastructural improvements, highlights its significant role in Odisha’s socio-economic development.
Livestock Population
Odisha’s livestock sector encompasses a diverse range of animals, including buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Below is an updated overview of the livestock population and related statistics based on the latest available data:
Buffaloes
- Population: According to the 20th Livestock Census conducted in 2019, Odisha’s buffalo population is detailed in district-wise data.
- Per Capita Milk Consumption: As of 2023-24, the per capita milk availability in Odisha is 156 grams per day, which remains below the national average of 471 grams per day.
- Breeds: Notable buffalo breeds in Odisha include the Parlakimedi, Manda, Jirangi, Kalahandi, Kujang, Arni (Koraput), and Chilika breeds. The Manda breed is recognized for having the highest fat content in milk among South Odishan breeds, with the Jirangi breed also exhibiting a high percentage of milk fat.
Goats
- Population: The 20th Livestock Census (2019) provides detailed district-wise data on the goat population in Odisha.
- Breeds: Significant goat breeds in the state include the Malkangiri, Raigarh, Ganjam, Narayanapatna, Koraput Hill Goat, and Ganjam Hill Goat.
Sheep
- Population: Detailed district-wise data on the sheep population in Odisha is available from the 20th Livestock Census (2019).
- Breeds: Prominent sheep breeds in Odisha are the Kuzi, Ganjam Sheep, Koraput Sheep, Machkund Strain, Dharamagarh, and Kathargad-Dasmantpur Strain breeds.
Pigs
- Population: The 20th Livestock Census (2019) offers district-wise details on the pig population in Odisha.
- Breeds: Notable pig breeds include the Burudi (Koraput), Pondi or Jhinga (Rayagada), and wild piglets found in tribal villages of Malkangiri.
Poultry/Duck Development
- Per Capita Egg Consumption: In 2022, the per capita egg availability in Odisha increased to 67 eggs per annum, which is still below the national average of 95 eggs per annum.
- Development Initiatives: Odisha introduced its Poultry Development Policy in 2015-16 to enhance the sector’s growth. Efforts to promote backyard poultry farming have been implemented, including assistance to beneficiaries and the establishment of district poultry hatcheries under various schemes.
Here’s a revised version with updated data and improved clarity:
Government Livestock and Poultry Farms in Odisha
The Government of Odisha has established several livestock and poultry farms across the state to support breed improvement, production, and farmer training, contributing significantly to the growth of the animal husbandry sector.
Government Poultry Farms
Odisha has a total of 8 state poultry farms located in Bhubaneswar, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Bolangir, along with 2 duck breeding farms functioning in Cuttack under central assistance. These farms aim to improve poultry productivity by providing quality chicks and ducklings to farmers and encouraging poultry farming as a profitable venture.
Government Goat Farms
Government goat farms focus on producing and distributing high-quality male goats to enhance goat breeding, breed improvement, and expansion programs. They also provide training and exposure to farmers on modern goat rearing practices, including ideal housing and nutrition.
The government goat farms are located in:
- Bolangir
- Deogarh
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
- Sundargarh
Government Cattle Breeding Farm
The Government Cattle Breeding Farm is located at Sunabeda, Koraput. Established with the long-term goal of biodiversity conservation and genetic improvement in cattle, the farm focuses on:
- Production and distribution of improved cattle breeds for breeding programs,
- Scientific management for breed enhancement, and
- Supplying quality fodder and root slips to local farmers to promote fodder cultivation.
Other Government Farms
Additional livestock farms are located in key regions, including:
- Chipilima
- Khapuria
- Keonjhar
- Remuna
- Bhanjanagar
- Boudh
- Sundargarh
- Kuarmunda
These government farms play a pivotal role in supporting the state’s livestock sector by promoting improved breeding practices, disseminating quality animal resources, and empowering farmers with necessary skills and inputs for sustainable animal husbandry practices.
Here’s a rewritten version with the latest data and a clearer presentation:
State Initiatives for Livestock Development in Odisha
The Government of Odisha has launched various initiatives to boost the livestock sector, focusing on productivity, infrastructure, and farmer welfare.
1. Promotion of Dairy Entrepreneurship (PDE)
This initiative aims to promote dairy entrepreneurship by providing capital subsidies. The objectives include:
- Establishing modern dairy farms.
- Upgrading traditional dairy technology.
- Facilitating large-scale milk handling and marketing.
- Generating self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
- Strengthening infrastructure for the unorganised dairy sector.
2. Small Animal Development Programme
The objective of this scheme is to enhance meat production by improving the state’s small animal resources. Key interventions include:
- Genetic upgradation of goats, sheep, and pigs.
- Encouraging scientific management practices to boost productivity.
3. National Mission for Protein Supplementation
Launched as a sub-sector under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2011-12, this programme aims to:
- Promote animal-based protein production to address protein deficiency.
- Support livestock development through targeted interventions.
4. Integrated Livestock Development Programme (ILDP) – Kalyani
The ILDP focuses on providing doorstep livestock services and has four major components:
- Cattle Development Programme – Breeding local cows with superior dairy breeds.
- Goat Development Programme – Promoting improved breeds and farming practices.
- Fodder Development Programme – Ensuring fodder availability for livestock.
- Chiplima Fodder Farm Development – Supporting fodder cultivation and distribution.
5. Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (OMFED)
Established in 1985, OMFED is synonymous with the white revolution in Odisha. It promotes:
- Production, procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products.
- Economic development of rural milk producers through cooperative societies.
- Marketing of organic products and cattle feed to support livestock farmers.
6. Odisha State Poultry Producers’ Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (OPOLFED)
OPOLFED, established in 1984, aims to promote poultry farming and popularise poultry products. It operates through:
- Primary Poultry Co-operative Societies (PPCS) and
- Women Poultry Co-operative Societies (WPCS) in districts like Khurda and Angul.
7. Livestock Sector Policy
The Livestock Sector Policy, formulated by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Department in 2002-03, aims to:
- Use the livestock sector as a tool for socio-economic development.
- Steadily improve the living standards of Odisha’s rural population.
8. Breeding Policy
The state’s breeding policy focuses on improving native livestock breeds through genetic upgradation:
- Cattle: Upgraded using Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Kankrej, Ongole breeds.
- Buffaloes: Improved with Murrah and Surti breeds.
To support this, 8 Exotic Cattle Breeding (ECB) Farms produce high-quality bull calves for breeding and productivity improvement through natural services and artificial insemination (AI).
9. Artificial Insemination (AI)
AI is a critical component of dairy development in Odisha. The state operates a network of 3,500+ AI centres under the department.
- The Frozen Semen Bank (FSB) at Cuttack is Odisha’s only semen production station.
- It has received ISO 9001:2015 certification and a Grade ‘A’ certificate for producing high-quality semen.
10. Livestock Healthcare Services
The government provides comprehensive healthcare for livestock through:
- Veterinary Hospitals/Dispensaries and Livestock Aid Centres.
- Institutions like the Animal Disease Research Institute (ADRI) at Phulnakhara, Cuttack, and the State Veterinary Laboratory (SVL) at Chipilima, Sambalpur, which are equipped for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
These initiatives collectively aim to modernise the livestock sector, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainable growth, thereby contributing to Odisha’s rural economy and food security.
Department of Animal Husbandry, Odisha
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (DAHVS) in Odisha operates under the guidance of the Principal Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner. Its organizational structure is as follows:
Directorate Level
At the Directorate level, the department is led by a Director, who is supported by:
- 3 Additional Directors
- 6 Joint Directors (Level-I)
- 5 Deputy Directors
- 10 Branch Officers
- A team of Veterinary Assistant Surgeons, Statistical Officers, and other ministerial staff
Division/District Level
In the field, the department’s structure includes:
- 30 Chief District Veterinary Officers overseeing 30 districts
- 7 Joint Directors (Level-II) managing 3 Frozen Semen Banks (FSBs), 2 Odisha Biological Product Institutes (OBPIs), the Veterinary Officers Training Institute (VOTI), and the Animal Disease Research Institute (ADRI)
- 154 Class-I (Senior Branch) officers designated as Sub-Divisional Veterinary Officers (SDVOs), Additional District Veterinary Officers (ADVOs), Deputy Directors, etc., operating at the sub-division and district levels
- 355 Class-I (Junior Branch) officers and 549 Class-II (Group-B) officers working at the block level to provide veterinary services to livestock farmers across the state
Major Activities
The department’s primary activities encompass:
- Enhancing breeding procedures for animals and birds
- Extension services and human resource development
- Promoting rural development through livestock rearing
Additionally, two autonomous bodies operate under the department’s aegis:
- Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED): Focuses on the promotion, production, and marketing of milk and milk products.
- Odisha State Poultry Producers’ Cooperative Marketing Federation (OPOLFED): Engages in the promotion, production, and marketing of eggs and chicken.
These organizations play a crucial role in advancing the state’s dairy and poultry sectors, contributing significantly to Odisha’s rural economy.
Conclusion
Animal husbandry in Odisha plays a pivotal role in fostering rural livelihoods, enhancing nutritional security, and supporting the state’s economy. With a well-structured administrative framework and a focus on improving livestock breeding, health, and productivity, Odisha’s animal husbandry sector continues to grow. Initiatives like the Poultry Development Policy and the promotion of indigenous breeds have empowered farmers, especially those from marginalized communities.
The state’s emphasis on capacity building, disease control, and sustainable practices aims to bridge the gap between Odisha’s production metrics and national averages. As Odisha strengthens its infrastructure, such as veterinary health services, frozen semen banks, and poultry hatcheries, it paves the way for greater self-sufficiency in livestock production. Moving forward, the integration of technology, scientific research, and financial support will be crucial for accelerating growth and ensuring sustainable rural development. By fostering a resilient animal husbandry sector, Odisha is set to achieve both economic prosperity and food security for its people.