Overview
The Indian government runs more than a dozen schemes to support livestock farmers — from subsidised loans and insurance to breed improvement and infrastructure grants. Yet most farmers, especially small and marginal ones, never access these benefits because the information is scattered across ministry websites in formal language. This page compiles every major central government scheme for livestock and dairy farming in one place: what it offers, who is eligible, how to apply and how much financial support is available. Pashushala helps farmers act on these schemes by making it easy to buy quality animals, insure them and connect with veterinary and advisory support.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
Launched in 2014 under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), the Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to conserve and develop indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds. The scheme funds Gokul Grams (integrated indigenous cattle development centres), Gokul Dhams (breed conservation units), and supports Artificial Insemination (AI) with high-genetic-merit semen. It also runs the National Bovine Genomic Centre at NDRI Karnal. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) eligible farmers can benefit from state-level breed improvement sub-schemes under RGM. Benefits: subsidised AI services, free distribution of quality bulls in some states, funding for Gokul Grams that provide breeding, feeding and healthcare services to local farmers. How to apply: Contact the District Animal Husbandry Officer or visit the e-Gopala app (Government of India's digital platform for bovine productivity). More information at dahd.nic.in.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
The National Livestock Mission covers all livestock other than cattle and buffalo — goats, sheep, pigs, poultry and small animals. It operates through four sub-missions: Breed Development, Feed and Fodder Development, Skill and Entrepreneurship Development, and Innovation and Extension. Farmers and entrepreneurs can get back-ended capital subsidy (25–33 percent of project cost) for setting up commercial goat, sheep and poultry units. Special provisions for women and SC/ST farmers offer higher subsidy levels. Benefits: Capital subsidy for commercial livestock units, support for fodder seed banks and silage making, funding for mobile veterinary units. Eligibility: Individual farmers, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, co-operatives. How to apply: Apply through the state Animal Husbandry Department or the MSME portal. More information at dahd.nic.in/nlm.
NABARD Dairy and Livestock Loans
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) finances dairy and livestock projects through commercial banks, regional rural banks and cooperative banks. Two key schemes: Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) offers back-ended subsidy of 25 percent (33 percent for SC/ST) on project cost for establishing modern dairy farms of 2–10 animals, bulk milk coolers, milk processing units and dairy equipment. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) of ₹15,000 crore provides 3 percent interest subvention on loans for dairy processing, meat processing and animal feed plants. Both schemes have a 2-year moratorium on principal repayment. Eligible items under DEDS: purchase of milch animals, milking machines, chaff cutters, milk cooling equipment and biogas plants. How to apply: Approach any scheduled commercial bank or regional rural bank with a project report. NABARD district offices provide project report templates. Visit nabard.org for guidelines.
Livestock Insurance Subsidy Schemes
The centrally sponsored Livestock Insurance Scheme provides 50 percent premium subsidy to all farmers (70 percent to BPL, small and marginal farmers) for insuring cattle and buffalo valued at their current market price. Cover is against death due to accident, disease, natural calamity and permanent total disability. Animals are identified by permanent ear tags issued at the time of policy. State governments often add their own subsidy, bringing effective farmer premium down to 2–5 percent of animal value in several states. Goat and sheep insurance is available under state schemes in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra with separate premium structures. How to apply: Approach the empanelled insurance companies (currently LIC, Oriental Insurance, New India, United India and Bajaj Allianz livestock division) through the local Animal Husbandry Department or directly. Pashushala's insurance enquiry connects farmers to the process in minutes.
Kisan Credit Card for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was extended in 2019 to cover animal husbandry and fisheries alongside crop farming. Farmers with KCC can access revolving credit for animal husbandry working capital — including purchase of feed, medicines, veterinary services and related farm needs — at 4 percent effective annual interest rate (7 percent base rate minus 3 percent government interest subvention). Credit limit for animal husbandry is calculated as 20 percent of animal value or scale of finance fixed by the District Level Technical Committee. The card also covers personal accident insurance of ₹50,000 and asset insurance. How to apply: Apply at any scheduled commercial bank, cooperative bank or regional rural bank with land records, KYC documents and animal ownership documents. Renewal is annual with minimal documentation.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (FAQ)
What is the Rashtriya Gokul Mission?
Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a central government scheme launched in 2014 to conserve and develop indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds. It funds Gokul Grams (breed development centres), subsidised artificial insemination with high-genetic-merit semen, and breed improvement for Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar and other indigenous breeds. Apply through the District Animal Husbandry Officer or the e-Gopala app.
How can I get a NABARD loan for a dairy farm?
Apply through any scheduled commercial bank or regional rural bank with a project report. NABARD's Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) gives 25 percent back-ended capital subsidy (33 percent for SC/ST) on projects for 2–10 milch animals, milking machines, bulk milk coolers and dairy equipment. There is a 2-year repayment moratorium. NABARD district offices provide free project report templates.
Is there a government subsidy on livestock insurance?
Yes. The central government's Livestock Insurance Scheme provides 50 percent premium subsidy to all farmers and 70 percent to BPL, small and marginal farmers for insuring cattle and buffalo. Some states add further subsidy. The effective premium for many farmers is 2–5 percent of animal value. Submit an insurance enquiry on Pashushala to start the process.
What is the National Livestock Mission?
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) supports commercial development of goats, sheep, pigs and poultry through capital subsidy (25–33 percent of project cost), breed improvement, fodder development and entrepreneurship training. It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Apply through the State Animal Husbandry Department.
Can I get a Kisan Credit Card for animal husbandry?
Yes. The Kisan Credit Card was extended in 2019 to animal husbandry and fisheries. It provides revolving working capital credit for feed, medicines and farm needs at 4 percent effective annual interest. Credit limit is typically 20 percent of animal value. Apply at any scheduled commercial bank or cooperative bank with KYC and animal ownership documents.
