Bhubaneswar, Sept. 14 (UDN): Odisha’s dairy cooperative OMFED is preparing to expand beyond its traditional dairy portfolio with plans to introduce ice cream and packaged drinking water, as the organisation explores new avenues to widen its presence in the consumer market.
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The proposal is currently under consideration at the OMFED board level, and the products are expected to be rolled out after receiving the necessary approvals, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said.
Expansion plans await board approval
The Minister said discussions on the new product line are in progress and OMFED intends to launch several new offerings in the coming months as part of its diversification strategy.
He added that the cooperative will proceed with production and marketing of the proposed products only after the board gives its approval.
Quality remains the priority
Reiterating OMFED’s emphasis on product safety, Mallik said the cooperative follows a three-tier quality testing system for milk, including checks on fat content and measures to prevent adulteration.
He said strict action is taken whenever irregularities are detected, and maintaining quality standards will remain a key priority even as the organisation expands its product range.
Higher milk price to benefit dairy farmers
The Minister also highlighted OMFED’s recent decision to increase milk procurement prices by Rs 2, saying the move is aimed at improving returns for dairy farmers associated with the cooperative.
According to him, the price revision is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the livelihoods of milk producers while ensuring consumers continue to receive quality products.
With the proposed launch of ice cream and packaged drinking water, OMFED is looking to strengthen its brand presence in Odisha’s fast-growing consumer goods market while continuing its focus on quality and farmer welfare.