Bihar to Launch Cattle Subsidy Scheme- 75% Subsidy for Indigenous Breeds

The animal husbandry department of Bihar has decided to launch a subsidy scheme that will benefit cattle farmers, providing subsidies for indigenous breeds. This decision was taken to promote cattle farming and to encourage farmers to carry this business, said a senior official of the dairy development directorate.

This scheme allocates a 75% subsidy for farm management, purchase of indigenous cattle, and installation of cowsheds in farms. A subsidy will be provided for the acquisition of Sahiwal, Gyr, and Tharparkar breeds of cows in sets of two, four, 15, and 20 cows.

Afaque Alam, the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fishery said that a comprehensive plan will soon be prepared for cabinet endorsement. “To be eligible for the subsidy program, recipients must possess a minimum of 5-10 kattha of land dedicated to the establishment of cowsheds," stated the minister. He further explained that farmers will be required to submit their subsidy applications online through the respective district dairy development officers.

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Dairy development director, Sanjay Kumar said that those who will be able to manage 15 to 20 cattle will be offered a 40 % subsidy of establishment cost. Further Sanjay Kumar said that “ 50% subsidy to be facilitated to general category for two and four indigenous breeds whereas 75% subsidy will be offered to small and marginal farmers heading two and four indigenous breeds.”

Afaque Alam stated at present, the subsidy program exclusively covers crossbred cows and buffaloes. “The annual budget has allocated a substantial amount of ₹40 crores to foster the growth of indigenous cattle farming. Approximately 5,500 beneficiaries are expected to receive subsidies as per the department's proposal for the scheme.”

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According to officials, the department is devising strategies to engage the National Dairy Development Board or similar organizations to facilitate the procurement of indigenous breed cows. These cows are renowned for their high milk yield, enriched nutritional content, and remarkable adaptability to the climatic conditions prevalent in the state. The department recognizes the significance of these agencies in ensuring the availability of superior indigenous breeds that possess desirable traits for sustainable cattle farming.

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