Livestock farming plays a crucial role in India’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and food security. To enhance this sector’s potential and create more opportunities, the Indian government has launched the National Livestock Mission (NLM). This initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship in the livestock sector and provide support to individuals interested in starting their business in animal feed and fodder production.
The NLM’s Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development
One of the key components of the NLM is the Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development, which offers a substantial capital subsidy of up to 50% of the total project cost, capped at Rs 50 lakh. This subsidy is available to individuals and entities looking to establish fodder blocks, hay bailing, and silage-making units. The primary goal of this sub-mission is to improve the availability of certified fodder seeds essential for fodder production and promote entrepreneurship in the sector.
Purpose and Objectives Of National Livestock Mission
The main objective of the Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development is to create employment opportunities for approximately 7 lakh individuals and facilitate 20 lakh households engaged in livestock farming to access affordable, high-quality fodder locally. By incentivizing the establishment of fodder seed chains and promoting the adoption of innovative fodder production techniques, the sub-mission aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector.
Implementation of the Scheme
The scheme is executed through various entities, including state animal husbandry departments, state livestock agencies/boards, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) of the Indian government. These entities work together to ensure the effective implementation of the sub-mission and achieve its objectives.
Objectives of Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development
The objectives of the sub-mission include the establishment of an effective seed production chain, capacity building of state functionaries and livestock owners in forage production, conservation, and utilization, and the promotion of convergence and synergy among ongoing plan programs and stakeholders for fodder resource development.
Salient Features of Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development
Under this sub-mission, the fodder seed chain, including breeder, foundation, and certified quality fodder seed production, is incentivized. The production of high-yielding fodder varieties, developed through research and innovations, is encouraged by providing incentives to seed-producing agencies.
Pattern of Assistance
The assistance for the production of various seed categories is provided to central seed agencies and state implementing agencies. The supported costs for the production of breeder seed, foundation seed, and certified seed are up to Rs. 250/kg, Rs. 150/kg, and Rs. 100/kg, respectively. When farmers are engaged in fodder seed production activities, 75% of the subsidy is transferred to the farmers, while 25% is retained by the seed-producing agency to cover expenses.
How to Get the Subsidy
State implementing agencies invite entrepreneurs and eligible entities through Expression of Interest. Entrepreneurs and eligible entities apply through the NLM Portal, and the subsidy amount is routed through the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to the subsidy account of beneficiaries in lending scheduled banks or financial institutions. Beneficiaries opting for self-financing must provide a bank guarantee to cover the remaining project cost beyond the capital subsidy provided.
Conclusion
The National Livestock Mission’s Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development is a significant initiative by the Indian government to promote entrepreneurship in the livestock sector. By providing capital subsidies and incentives for fodder seed production, the sub-mission aims to create employment opportunities, improve fodder availability, and enhance the overall productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector.
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FAQs
- Who is eligible to apply for the subsidy under the Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development?
- Eligible entities include ICAR institutions, NSC, NAFED, KRIBHCO, IFFCO, central multi-state cooperatives such as NCCF, HIL, NDDB, dairy cooperatives, milk federations, and other agencies approved by the National Livestock Mission as central nodal agencies at the national level. State government seed production corporations, public and private organizations, and other credible entities are also eligible.
- How is the subsidy amount disbursed to the beneficiaries?
- The subsidy amount is routed through the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to the subsidy account of beneficiaries in lending scheduled banks or financial institutions.
- What is the purpose of the Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development?
- The sub-mission aims to improve the availability of certified fodder seeds essential for fodder production and promote entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.
- How does the scheme contribute to employment generation?
- The scheme is projected to create employment opportunities for approximately 7 lakh individuals and facilitate 20 lakh households engaged in livestock farming to access affordable, high-quality fodder locally.
- What is the role of state implementing agencies in the implementation of the scheme?
- State implementing agencies play a crucial role in inviting entrepreneurs and eligible entities through Expression of Interest and facilitating the entire subsidy process.
