Odisha's Milk Farmers and Opposition Unite Against New OMFED Product

In Odisha, a new milk packet introduced by the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED) has sparked controversy. Milk farmers and opposition parties are protesting against the new product, which is reportedly sold in a saffron-colored packet and is priced Rs two more per packet while containing less milk (450 ml instead of 500 ml). Opposition leaders from the BJD and Congress criticized the government for these changes, accusing them of altering the names and colors of various welfare schemes. The Odisha Milk Farmers Association (OMFA), led by Rabi Behera, questioned whether the increased cost will benefit the milk farmers, who have seen a rise in their input costs. They demand a procurement price of at least Rs 40 per litre. OMFED, however, claims the new product contains additional ingredients and markets it as a new release, not a price hike in traditional products.