BHUBANESWAR: State-owned milk federation Omfed has decided to launch a pension scheme for the milk farmers from this year. About 10,000 milk farmers would be covered in the scheme initially, which would be gradually expanded.Under the Centre-sponsored scheme, an Omfed Dairy Farmers’ Welfare Fund would be created and every farmer would have to contribute Rs 1,000 a year with the Centre pitching in with a matching amount. From the fifth year, Omfed would take over and contribute the amount paid by the Centre, CMD Satyabrata Sahu said.The 86th Board of Directors meeting held here has also announced a slew of social security measures for the farmers and their family members to be introduced from this year. Farmers who have provided milk between 1,000 litres and 750 litres for 250 days over three successive years would be covered under insurance.Their kin would be provided with insurance amount of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively on natural or accidental death.The federation has also announced incentives in the form of scholarships and prizes for the children of the dairy farmers registered with it. The children of dairy farmers who top in the HSC and Plus Two examinations would be presented with cash award of Rs 20,000. For State Board Matriculation, CBSE and ICSE students, those securing more than 70 per cent marks would be awarded Rs 5,000.Those cracking the IIT and JEE would be provided with Rs 20,000, the Board decided. Presently, over 2.5 lakh dairy farmers are registered with Omfed and are supplying four lakh litres of milk on an average daily.
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