Odisha’s livestock and dairy sector plays a vital role in the state’s rural economy. With approximately 99 lakh cattle, 4.5 lakh buffaloes, 64 lakh goats, 13 lakh sheep and over 2.4 crore poultry birds, livestock is a key livelihood source for small and marginal farming households across the state. Livestock contributes significantly to household incomes; up to 30% of annual income for many rural families, while also bolstering food security through milk, meat and eggs. 

Yet, despite impressive animal numbers, the state’s dairy productivity remains constrained by low per-capita milk availability, under-utilised fodder value chains, and shortages of quality feed. Milk production in Odisha was recorded at 26.4 lakh metric tonnes, growing at around 6.4% recently, but per-capita availability still lags behind national averages. 

In this context of rising demand, persistent nutritional gaps and an evolving dairy ecosystem, Shunya Agritech’s Production Partner Program presents a compelling, sustainable model to strengthen fodder supply, decentralise infrastructure, and create economic opportunities across Odisha’s rural landscape.

What Is the Production Partner Program?

The Production Partner (PP) Program is a collaborative, entrepreneurial model designed to locally produce Nutri Ankurit Feed (NAF), a high-quality, nutritionally dense feed that is hydroponically grown and which can support improved milk yield and livestock health. Instead of centralising production, Shunya enables local entrepreneurs to own and operate Growth & Logistics Centres (GLCs) equipped with automated hydroponic systems.

Shunya provides:

• proven hydroponic technology and automation
• operating systems and quality protocols
• training and ongoing operational support
• technology for ensuring reliability & predictability of output
• demand aggregation through farmer networks
• platform for the partner to also engage the community further

Production Partners invest in and run the GLC infrastructure, manage day-to-day operations, and serve as the central supply node for fresh green fodder in their region.

This model aligns incentives: Partners build local agri-businesses, farmers gain reliable feed, and the rural workforce accesses stable employment.

Benefits for Key Stakeholders

For Production Partners: A Scalable Agribusiness Opportunity

Becoming a Production Partner unlocks a viable, future-focused business model rooted in the growing need for quality fodder:

• Demand-backed revenue: Local farmer subscriptions provide predictable offtake and steady cash flow.
• Operational support: Standardised SOPs, digital operations platforms and Shunya’s support reduce execution risk.
• Training & capacity building: Partners and their teams benefit from structured technical and business training.
• Scalable economics: GLCs can grow in capacity as demand increases, enabling Partners to expand their enterprise sustainably. Partners also get their share of retained margin on sale of other nutrition products on the platform. They can also tap into the same community and earn margins on selling of goods and services to this community.

In Odisha, where dairy investments, fodder availability and productivity improvements are government priorities, the PP model complements broader sector goals by enhancing local feed infrastructure and business ownership. All while helping these rural entrepreneurs earn upto 55% annualised returns on their investment.

For Dairy Farmers: Improved Nutrition and Consistency

Across Odisha, many dairy households face fodder shortages that limit milk yields and animal health. Hydroponic fodder bridges these gaps by providing:

• Year-round availability independent of seasonal variability
• Consistent nutritional quality, supporting better milk production
• Reduced dependence on expensive formats of nutrition; helping reduce their input costs

This consistency in green fodder supply helps farmers improve productivity and reduces input cost variability. This is particularly important in regions where fodder scarcity has been identified as a key constraint. 

For Rural Employment and Skill Development

Each GLC generates local jobs in:

• fodder production operations
• logistics and delivery coordination
• quality control and systems monitoring
• farmer engagement and customer interface

These roles provide meaningful employment with structured skill development, transforming seasonal rural labour into formalised, skilled work. Women and youth benefit significantly as operations generate inclusive local opportunities.

For Odisha’s Dairy Ecosystem

Odisha continues to pursue ambitious dairy sector goals under initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, which aims to enhance milk production, breed improvement and livestock support services. 

Shunya’s Production Partner model:

• strengthens local feed systems that underpin milk production
• reduces pressure on scarce fodder resources
• enhances resilience against climatic and supply risks
• supports government and cooperative initiatives by driving fodder adoption at scale

By decentralising production and aligning economic incentives, the model helps build a resilient fodder infrastructure essential for long-term productivity improvements.

A Partnership for Inclusive Growth

Shunya’s Production Partner Program is not just about technology deployment; it is about creating an inclusive agribusiness framework where local entrepreneurs thrive, dairy farmers gain reliable nutrition solutions, and rural communities prosper.

In Odisha, where livestock is deeply embedded in rural livelihoods, the program offers a strategic pathway to unlock productivity, strengthen the dairy value chain, and build future-ready agrarian economies. As the state continues to scale dairy development, models that blend innovation, local ownership and sustainability will be pivotal in driving meaningful impact.

Come to meet us at Matsya-Pranee Samavesh Odisha 2026 being held at XIMB Grounds in Bhubaneshwar on 21st, 22nd & 23rd January 2026. Interact with our Managing Director, Mr. Vijay Singh and our enterprising team at the Shunya booth. We would love to show you our fresh batches of Nutri Ankurit Feed and also discuss ways in which we can collaborate to bring this infrastructure to the great state of Odisha!

About Shunya Agritech

Shunya Agritech is a leading Fodder-as-a-Service provider building the future of dairy through innovation in hydroponic fodder in India. We grow and deliver affordable hydroponic fodder for small farmers, ensuring a year-round green fodder supply in India—regardless of season or geography. Our proprietary Nutri Ankurit Feed (NAF), grown using vertical farming for fodder, reaches farmers daily through a robust green fodder delivery network. Shunya’s hydroponic fodder delivery in India helps solve deep-rooted issues of nutrition, cost, and availability. Through our digital veterinary services in rural India, we also provide remote veterinary consultations for livestock, connecting farmers to expert care at the tap of a button. With our expanding network of Growth and Logistics Centres (GLC) and franchise-ready models, Shunya empowers communities, enhances milk productivity, and drives sustainable growth—one farm at a time.

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