Koraput: A significant step has been initiated by the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, to strengthen the dairy cooperative movement and enhance the socio-economic development of the region while creating transformative learning, skill development, and career opportunities for students.

Dr. Sanjay K. Pradhan, Head, Department of Dairy Science, and Dr. Manjushree Singh, Head, Department of Agriculture, visited The National Dairy Development Board and AMUL, Gujarat, from 16–18 June 2026 for exploring collaborative opportunities for establishing a sustainable dairy cooperative ecosystem in Koraput. The team also visited several dairy cooperative societies, village milk producers' organizations, milk collection centres, and modern milk processing and value-addition units to understand best practices in cooperative management, milk procurement, processing, marketing, and farmer empowerment.

Several productive technical sessions were held with experts from NDDB and AMUL. As an outcome, the process has already begun, and an NDDB team is expected to visit Koraput shortly for a preliminary field study.

This initiative is closely aligned with the vision of the CUO, Koraput which consistently emphasises improving the livelihoods of the tribal communities of Koraput through sustainable development in animal husbandry, agriculture, and forest-based enterprises. The proposed dairy cooperative movement is expected to create new opportunities for income generation, entrepreneurship, nutritional security, and rural prosperity.

The initiative further envisions CUO as a hub of knowledge, research, innovation, skill development, and extension services, empowering students, farmers, and rural youth while contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Discussions also focused on student internships, industrial exposure, placements, and the establishment of a Milk and Milk Products Skill Centre at CUO.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. C. Panda has extended his wholehearted support to this transformative initiative and reaffirmed the University's commitment to serving the tribal communities of the region through education, research, and community engagement.