Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday hailed the state's veterinarians for Odisha's progress in the livestock sector.

He made the comment at a workshop on the role of livestock sector for improving livelihoods, food security and safety conducted by the fisheries and animal resources development department. "I would like to commend the role of veterinarians for their commitment towards preventing and controlling animal diseases and contributing to increasing the production basket of farmers through livestock farming," he said.

"Due to the persistent and novel initiative taken by the government, the annual milk production in the state has increased from 45 lakh litre per day in 2009-10 to 56 lakh litres per day in 2017-18."

The meat production has risen from 128,000 metric tonnes in 2009-10 to 183,000 metric tonnes in 2017-18. Egg production has risen almost three times from 20 lakh eggs a day in 2000-01 to 57 lakh in 2017-18. Naveen also distributed appointment letters to 87 livestock inspectors.

He said: "I congratulate all of you and wish you a very successful career in public life. I am sure you will dedicate yourselves to the development of the livestock sector in the state."