Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAPL), in partnership with the Government of Odisha and State Bank of India (SBI), has launched ‘Go-Dhan’, an initiative aimed at strengthening dairy farming and improving access to finance, government schemes, technology and modern farm practices for dairy farmers in the state.
The initiative, launched at the OUAT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, is expected to benefit 6,000 dairy farmers across 15 districts. It will be implemented in phases over the next three years, with the objective of supporting farmers in establishing and expanding dairy farms.
The programme seeks to facilitate access to institutional finance and government support for investments in quality bovine breeds, cattle housing, farm mechanisation, animal nutrition and herd health. It will also leverage government subsidy programmes, including the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), to help farmers access capital for dairy-related investments.
The launch brought together representatives from the state government, banking and dairy sectors. Those present included Prem Chand Chaudhary, Secretary, Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha; Shubhranshu, Managing Director, APICOL; Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Chief General Manager, SBI; and R. G. Chandramogan, Chairman, Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.
Chandramogan said the company intends to support the establishment of more than 6,000 dairy farms through the initiative and promote scientific dairy farming and sustainable dairy development.
He said strengthening dairy farming can provide farmers with a stable source of income while contributing to the broader agricultural economy. The company also aims to develop a dairy value chain in Odisha by procuring milk locally and meeting demand within the state and neighbouring markets.
According to the company, the initiative is intended to address some of the key requirements for sustainable dairy development, including access to finance, scientific farm management and productivity enhancement.
Hatsun Agro Product currently procures milk directly from more than 5 lakh farmers and operates a portfolio of dairy and allied brands. The company said its experience in dairy procurement and animal husbandry would support the implementation of Go-Dhan in Odisha.
The initiative brings government schemes, institutional finance and private-sector dairy expertise together with the stated objective of creating a stronger local dairy ecosystem and expanding opportunities for rural households engaged in dairy farming.