Have you heard what the farmers said? You too can get a huge subsidized loan for raising sheep, chicken, and cows under the NLM scheme!

Have you heard what the farmers said? You too can get a huge subsidized loan for raising sheep, chicken, and cows under the NLM scheme! NLM

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and animal husbandry is the largest component of agriculture. Instead of relying solely on rain, farmers can double their income by engaging in secondary activities such as sheep, chicken, and cow husbandry. However, many farmers are hesitant to venture into this industry due to lack of capital.

Good news for you! Under the central government’s ‘National Livestock Mission’ (NLM) scheme, farmers, unemployed youth and entrepreneurs are getting subsidy of up to 50% and easy loan facility for raising sheep, chicken, goat and cow (dairy). In this blog post, what is the NLM scheme? How to benefit from it? How to apply? Complete information is explained step by step.

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What is National Livestock Mission (NLM)?

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is an ambitious scheme of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. The basic mantra of this scheme is to increase farmers’ income, create employment in rural areas and make the country self-sufficient in meat, egg and milk production.

Under this scheme, not only bank loans, but also 50% of the capital you invest (up to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs) will be subsidized by the government. This is a golden opportunity for rural youth to start their own businesses.

Key objectives of the NLM project

This scheme is not limited to just providing loans. Its main objectives are as follows:

Entrepreneurship Development: Farmers should not just be producers but also entrepreneurs.
Breed improvement: Developing better breeds of sheep, goats, chickens and pigs.
Fodder Development: Making quality food and green fodder available for livestock.
Innovation and Expansion: Bringing new technologies to farmers’ doorsteps.

Bumper subsidy for sheep and goat farming

Sheep and goat farming in Karnataka is known as the ‘Poor Man’s ATM’. This low-maintenance and high-profit industry has received a lot of support under the NLM.

Project format:

Unit size: You can start with 100 sheep/goats + 5 rams/goats, or 500 sheep + 25 rams units.
Subsidy Amount: The government provides 50% subsidy for sheep and goat breed multiplication farms. The subsidy is available up to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakh.
Capital allocation: 50% subsidy, 10% your own capital (Margin Money), and the remaining 40% will be a bank loan.

For example: If you do a sheep farming project costing Rs. 1 crore, the government will provide Rs. 50 lakh as subsidy!

Facilities available for poultry farming

There is a huge demand for broiler and country chicken farming in rural areas. Poultry farming is also highly encouraged under the NLM scheme.

Details of facilities:

Hatchery Units: To establish hatching units.
Mother Unit: A unit where chicks are raised for 4 weeks and sold to farmers.
Subsidy: 50% subsidy (up to a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh) is provided to poultry farming units (broiler/layer/hatchery).
Speciality: Special priority is being given to the rearing of indigenous chicken breeds such as Giriraja, Swarnadhara, and Kadakanath.

Support for Cattle Farming & Fodder Development

Dairy farming is a large industry in India. While direct subsidies for cow farming are available under other schemes (AHIDF or state government schemes), 50% subsidy is provided for Fodder Development, the livelihood of cows, under NLM.

Fodder Block / TMR Unit: There is a subsidy of 50% (maximum Rs. 50 lakh) for setting up a unit for preparing nutritious feed by mixing dry fodder, green fodder and mineral mixtures.
If good fodder is available, the milk yield of cows will increase. Thus, dairy farmers can take advantage of this scheme and set up their own fodder production unit.

Qualifications required to apply for the NLM scheme

Who is eligible to benefit from this scheme?

Individual farmers and entrepreneurs.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Joint Liability Groups (JLGs).
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Section 8 companies and private organizations.

Note: Applicants must have basic experience or training in animal husbandry, and must own or lease land to set up the unit.

Important documents required (Required Documents)

Please prepare the following documents before applying:

Identity Card: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card (PAN Card).
Land documents: Land Registry (RTC), Account Statement, or Registered Lease Agreement (minimum 10-15 years).
Bank details: Copy of passbook, cancelled cheque.
Detailed Project Report (DPR): This is the most important document. The project report should be prepared with the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA) or a Veterinarian.
Training Certificate: Training certificate obtained from Animal Husbandry Department or KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra).
Photograph: Passport size photos of the applicant.

Complete procedure for applying online

The application submission process is completely online and transparent.

Step 1: First visit the official portal of NLM (Udyamimitra/NLM portal).
Step 2: Click on “Apply Now”, register using your mobile number and Aadhaar.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details, farm information, and details of the business (sheep/poultry/fodder) you choose.
Step 4: Scan and upload your DPR (Project Report) and all other documents.
Step 5: Submit the application.

Approval process: The application submitted online is reviewed by the district level animal husbandry officers. Then the State Level Committee (SIA) approves it and sends it to the bank. After the bank sanction the loan, the central government releases the subsidy amount directly into the bank account.

Preparation of Project Report (DPR) to get bank loan

Your Project Report (DPR) must be strong if the bank manager is to give you a loan. It should contain the following elements:

Infrastructure costs: Shed construction, water facility, electricity.
Animal purchase cost: how many animals, price per animal.
Maintenance costs: feed, vaccines, medicine, labor wages.
Estimated income: Annual income from the sale of meat, milk, eggs, and fertilizer.
Loan Repayment Plan: Calculate how many years you will repay the loan and how.

Some useful tips for successful animal husbandry

Profits in an industry do not come immediately after getting a subsidy. Hard work and scientific management are essential.

Scientific shed construction: The shed should be constructed so that air and light can flow freely and water does not stagnate during the rainy season.
Timely vaccination: Administer disinfectants and vaccines (e.g. FMD, PPR) as advised by your veterinarian to prevent disease before it occurs.
Market research: Decide in advance where you want to sell your products (meat, eggs). Try to deliver directly to the market instead of to butchers.

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Question 1: Will the subsidy amount under the NLM scheme be given in cash? Answer: No. The subsidy amount will be directly credited to your bank loan account (Credit Linked Subsidy). This will reduce the interest on the loan.

Question 2: Is there an age limit for this scheme? Answer: Any Indian citizen above 18 years of age can apply.

Question 3: Can those who do not have land raise sheep? Answer: Owning land is not mandatory. However, there must be an official lease deed (Registered Lease Deed) for the leased land.

Farmers, “Agriculture and animal husbandry are like two sides of the same coin”. Don’t rely only on crops, take advantage of wonderful government schemes like NLM scheme. Get involved in sheep, chicken, and cow farming and become financially strong. Visit your nearest Veterinary Hospital or Animal Husbandry Department today and get more information.