THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
The Odisha State Cooperative Milk
Producers’ Federation (OMFED) is set to diversify beyond dairy with plans to
introduce packaged drinking water and a revamped range of ice creams in
multiple flavours, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister
Gokulananda Mallik said.
The proposed product launches are
part of OMFED’s efforts to expand its presence in the consumer market and
strengthen its product portfolio.
Mallik said discussions on the
new products were currently underway with the OMFED board. The products will be
launched in the market after receiving the board’s approval, he said.
The Minister also sought to
reassure consumers about the quality of OMFED milk amid reports of adulteration
involving milk, cheese (chhena) and
paneer in different parts of Odisha.
He said OMFED followed stringent
quality-control measures, with its milk subjected to a three-tier checking
process. Parameters such as fat content are examined at different stages to
ensure that the prescribed quality standards are maintained.
“If any adulteration is detected, action is
taken,” Mallik said, reiterating that adulteration was not permitted in OMFED
milk.
Mallik also said the procurement
price of milk by OMFED had been increased by ₹2, with the revision aimed at
improving returns to dairy farmers.
The increase, he said, would help strengthen the economic position of milk producers and enable them to become more self-reliant.
The proposed entry into packaged drinking water and expansion of its ice cream portfolio could give OMFED additional avenues for growth, while allowing the State cooperative to leverage its established consumer brand beyond its core milk business.
