New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the further modification of the National Livestock Mission (NLM). The additional activities included in the modified mission aim to enhance entrepreneurship opportunities and promote sustainable livestock practices across the country.
The key modifications to the National Livestock Mission are as follows:
Entrepreneurship for Equine and Camel Management:
Individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs), and Section 8 companies will receive a 50% capital subsidy up to Rs. 50 lakhs for establishing entrepreneurship related to horses, donkeys, mules, and camels.
State governments will be assisted in breed conservation efforts for horses, donkeys, and camels.
The Central Government will allocate Rs. 10 crore for establishing semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for horses, donkeys, and camels.
Fodder Seed Processing Infrastructure:
Private companies, start-ups, SHGs, FPOs, FCOs, JLGs, and Farmers Cooperative Societies (FCOs) can avail a 50% capital subsidy up to Rs. 50 lakhs for establishing fodder seed processing infrastructure, including processing and grading units, fodder storage godowns, and related infrastructure. Beneficiaries are required to arrange the remaining project cost through bank finance or self-funding.
Assistance for Fodder Cultivation:
State governments will be supported in cultivating fodder in non-forest lands, wastelands, range lands, non-arable lands, and degraded forest lands. This initiative aims to increase fodder availability in the country, ensuring sustainable livestock management.
Simplification of Livestock Insurance Programme:
The Livestock Insurance programme has been streamlined, reducing the beneficiary share of the premium for farmers from the existing 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% to 15%.
The remaining premium amount will be shared by the Centre and the State at a ratio of 60:40 for all states and 90:10 for special category states.
The number of animals eligible for insurance has been increased to 10 cattle units, providing greater coverage for livestock farmers.
These modifications in the National Livestock Mission underscore the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient livestock practices, encouraging entrepreneurship, and safeguarding the interests of farmers involved in livestock rearing. The initiatives aim to contribute to the overall welfare of livestock and strengthen the backbone of India’s agrarian economy.
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