The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for additional amendments to the National Livestock Mission (NLM), encompassing various activities aimed at enhancing the livestock sector.
The modified mission includes the establishment of entrepreneurship initiatives for horses, donkeys, mules, and camels, offering a 50% capital subsidy up to 50 lakhs to individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCOs, and Section 8 companies. State governments will also receive support for the conservation of horse, donkey, and camel breeds. The Central Government is set to allocate 10 crore for the establishment of semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for these animals.
Furthermore, the modified NLM introduces the establishment of entrepreneurs for fodder seed processing infrastructure, providing a 50% capital subsidy up to Rs. 50 lakhs to private companies, start-ups, SHGs, FPOs, FCOs, JLGs, Farmers Cooperative Societies (FCO), and Section 8 companies. The remaining project cost is expected to be arranged by beneficiaries through bank finance or self-funding.
In an effort to expand fodder cultivation areas, state governments will receive assistance for cultivating fodder in non-forest lands, wastelands, rangelands, non-arable lands, and degraded forest lands. This strategic move aims to boost fodder availability across the country.
The Livestock Insurance program has undergone simplification, with a reduction in the beneficiary share of the premium for farmers to 15%, down from the current rates of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. 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 certain regions.
Additionally, the number of animals eligible for insurance has been increased to 10 cattle units, benefiting livestock farmers by facilitating the insurance of their valuable animals with a minimal financial burden.
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) was initiated in 2014-15 with four Sub-Missions, later realigned during 2021-22 under the Development Programme with an outlay of Rs. 2300 crore. The re-aligned NLM currently comprises three sub-missions focusing on breed improvement, feed and fodder, and innovation and extension, with a total of 10 activities geared towards entrepreneurship development, research, and innovation in the livestock sector.