The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved further modifications to the National Livestock Mission (NLM), allocating resources for additional activities aimed at bolstering livestock development in India.
Changes in the Scheme as in 2024
Under the revised scheme, the NLM will now include further modification of National Livestock Mission by including the additional activities such as: establishment of entrepreneurship for horse donkey, mule, camel with 50% capital subsidy up to 50 lakhs will be provided to the Individuals, FPO, SHG, JLG, FCO and Section 8 companies. Also the state government will be assisted for breed conservation of horse, donkey and camel. The Central Government will provide 10 cr. for establishment of semen station and nucleus breeding farm for horse, donkey and camel. Furthermore, the Livestock Insurance program has been simplified to reduce the beneficiary share of the premium for farmers.
About the Scheme
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) was initiated in 2014-15 with the aim of enhancing livestock productivity and promoting livestock-based livelihoods. Over the years, the scheme has undergone several modifications to address emerging challenges and align with the evolving needs of the sector. The current version of the NLM focuses on breed improvement, feed and fodder development, research, innovation, and livestock insurance.
Benefits of the Scheme
The inclusion of additional activities in the NLM is expected to yield several benefits. It will facilitate entrepreneurship in niche areas such as horse and camel breeding, enhance fodder seed processing infrastructure, and increase fodder cultivation areas, thereby improving fodder availability across the country. The simplified Livestock Insurance program will also make it easier for farmers to insure their valuable animals, thereby reducing their financial burden.
Data Points
– The scheme will provide 50% capital subsidy up to ₹50 lakhs for the establishment of entrepreneurship in horse, donkey, mule, and camel breeding.
– The central government will allocate ₹10 crore for the establishment of semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for horse, donkey, and camel.
– The Livestock Insurance program has reduced the beneficiary share of premium for farmers to 15%, with the remaining amount shared by the Centre and the State at a ratio of 60:40 for all states, and 90:10 for northeastern states.
– The scheme aims to increase fodder cultivation areas in non-forest land, waste land, and degraded forest land to enhance fodder availability.
– The NLM is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote animal husbandry and contribute to the overall development of the livestock sector in India.
The modifications to the National Livestock Mission underscore the government’s commitment to promoting livestock development and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
