In a push to Rural Economy, Cabinet approves expansion of National Livestock Mission

Established in 2014-15, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) underwent a significant realignment in 2021-22, receiving approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in July 2021, with a budget of Rs. 2300 crore. The mission focuses on three key Sub-Missions, targeting breed improvement, feed and fodder development, innovation, and extension initiatives. Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural community in India. It also provides employment to about 8.8 % of the country’s population. India has vast livestock resources. Livestock sector contributes 4.11% GDP and 25.6% of total Agriculture GDP.

IndianBureaucracy, New Delhi, February 22, 2024: On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved significant modifications to the National Livestock Mission, broadening its activities to include entrepreneurship in the Equine Animals category.

Individuals and organisations like Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmers Cooperatives (FCOs), and Section 8 companies, venturing into horse, donkey, mule, and camel entrepreneurship are now eligible for a substantial 50% capital subsidy up to 50 lakhs.

To support Individuals, co-operative societies and  Section 8 companies involved in Fodder Seed Processing Infrastructure, especially in initiatives like developing essential infrastructure such as buildings, receiving sheds, drying platforms, machinery, grading plants, and seed storage go-downs, can now access 50% capital subsidy up to Rs.50 lakhs. The move aims to promote entrepreneurship in rural start-ups and MSMEs.

To increase fodder availability across the country, state governments will be assisted in expanding cultivation areas in non-forest lands, waste lands, range lands, non-arable lands, degraded forest as well as forest lands.

The Livestock Insurance program has been simplified by cutting down the farmer’s premium share to 15%, previously ranging from 20% to 50%. The Centre and the State will jointly cover the remaining premium, with a distribution ratio of 60:40 for all states and 90:10 in special category states. Additionally, the number of animals eligible for insurance has now been doubled to 10 cattle unit. This will help the livestock farmers to get their animals insured by paying minimum amount.

Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural community in India. It also provides employment to about 8.8 % of the country’s population. India has vast livestock resources. Livestock sector contributes 4.11% GDP and 25.6% of total Agriculture GDP.