Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission for development and conservation of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission for development and conservation of indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making dairying more remunerative to farmers since 2014. For implementation of Rashtriya Gokul Mission an amount of Rs 2661.76 crore is made available to the States/ Union Territories during the last 5 years. Proposals received from Implementing Agencies as per guidelines of the scheme are considered under the project for release of central assistance.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) of Rs 15000 crore and under the AHIDF beneficiaries may avail assistance under the category of Animal Waste to Wealth including agri waste for setting up of biogas plants/ manure units. The eligible beneficiaries under the Scheme are Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), MSMEs, Section 8 Companies, Private Companies and individual entrepreneur with minimum 10% margin money contribution by entities. Unique features of the scheme are Interest Subvention of 3% payable upto 8 years with no ceiling on Loan amount.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is promoting efficient utilization of cow dung with the production of biogas as an energy source and organic fertilizer through National Dairy Development Board. To take forward the manure management initiative in a focussed manner and for scaling up across the country, National Dairy Development Board is allowed to establish a fully owned subsidiary named NDDB MRIDA Ltd. The company promotes biogas along with efficient utilisation of slurry across the country.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organising farmers awareness programmes for promoting dairying across the country including generation of waste to wealth.

As per Indian Council of Agricultural Research regular training programs are organized on Gau Adharit Natural Farming for benefitting the farmers. Various products like Jivamrit, Bijamrit, Dashparni Ark, Agneyastra & Nemastra were prepared using cow dung and urine in the farmers field for use on agricultural land. Moreover, trainings to the farmers/ young youths on the value addition of cow dung to produce the vermi-compost is regularly imparted.

This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

***

SS/RKM