The correct answer is: c) 3 million metric tonnes per year.
Odisha is the fourth largest milk producer in India, after Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. In 2020-21, the state produced an estimated 3 million metric tonnes of milk. This was an increase of 8% from the previous year. The state has a large dairy herd of over 12 million cattle, and milk production is a major source of income for many farmers. The government of Odisha has been promoting dairy development in the state, and has set a target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of milk by 2025.
Option a) is incorrect because it is too low. The state’s milk production has been increasing steadily in recent years, and it is unlikely that it would have decreased in 2020-21.
Option b) is incorrect because it is too close to option a). The state’s milk production is not likely to be so close to the previous year’s production.
Option d) is incorrect because it is too high. The state’s milk production is not likely to increase by such a large amount in one year.