Hatsun Agro Launches 'Go-Dhan' to Empower Odisha Dairy Farmers
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd partners with Odisha Govt and SBI to launch Go-Dhan, empowering 6,000 dairy farmers with finance and technology.
In a major move to bolster the rural economy, Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAPL), India's largest private sector dairy company, has introduced its flagship initiative, 'Go-Dhan'. This ambitious program is designed to transform the dairy landscape in Odisha by providing farmers with essential financial tools, modern technology, and better access to government welfare schemes.
The initiative was officially unveiled during a high-profile ceremony at the OUAT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar. The launch saw significant participation from key leaders, including Sri Prem Chand Chaudhary, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, and Sri Shubhranshu, Managing Director of APICOL. Representing the financial sector was Sri Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Chief General Manager of the State Bank of India, while Mr. R. G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., headlined the corporate presence.
A Massive Scale-Up for Odisha's Dairy Sector
The Go-Dhan initiative is not just a local project; it is a large-scale developmental roadmap. The program aims to reach 6,000 dairy farmers spread across 15 districts of Odisha. By bridging the gap between farmers and institutional resources, the project seeks to modernize how dairy is practiced in the state.
Key areas of focus for the participating farmers include:
- Access to Finance: Connecting farmers with the State Bank of India and other institutional lenders to secure capital.
- Government Subsidies: Leveraging schemes like the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) to make expansion more affordable.
- Modern Infrastructure: Investing in high-quality bovine breeds, improved cattle housing, and farm mechanization.
- Scientific Management: Enhancing herd health and nutrition through advanced dairy practices.
Building a Sustainable Dairy Ecosystem
Speaking at the launch, Mr. R. G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., emphasized that the prosperity of the farmer is the bedrock of a successful industry. He noted that the company intends to support the establishment of over 6,000 dairy farms in a phased manner over the next three years.
"Through the Go-Dhan initiative, we aim to improve farmer incomes, encourage scientific dairy farming, and create a sustainable dairy ecosystem in Odisha," Mr. Chandramogan stated. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Odisha, APICOL, and the State Bank of India for their collaboration in this transformative journey.
Unlocking Regional Economic Potential
The strategic vision behind Go-Dhan extends beyond local empowerment. Hatsun Agro aims to build a robust dairy value chain within the state, with the ultimate goal of producing and procuring milk locally to meet growing consumer demand. This includes not only satisfying the needs of Odisha but also creating an export pipeline to neighboring markets such as West Bengal and North Andhra Pradesh.
By strengthening secondary agriculture through dairy, the initiative is expected to create a ripple effect, providing stable and progressive income sources for rural households and unlocking the vast agricultural potential of the region.