On World Milk Day, the Uttar Pradesh government launched the Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme, offering Rs 31.25 lakh subsidies for dairy farms with 25 desi cows to boost milk production and support farmers.
On World Milk Day, a significant initiative has been announced by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to boost dairy farming and milk production. Under the Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme, dairy farmers will receive substantial subsidies to start and expand dairy farms with desi cows. This scheme aims to address the growing demand for milk by increasing production through support for indigenous cattle breeds.
Scheme Overview
The Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme, launched under the Nand Baba Mission, offers financial assistance to farmers interested in establishing dairy units. The government provides a 50% subsidy on the cost of setting up a dairy unit consisting of 25 milch cows, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 31.25 lakh per beneficiary. This initiative seeks to promote the use of high-yield indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Gangatiri.
Detailed Scheme Benefits and Structure
The scheme is implemented in three phases, each targeting different aspects of dairy farm setup and operation:
| Phase | Description |
| Phase 1 | 25% subsidy for the construction of the dairy unit. |
| Phase 2 | Subsidy for purchasing milch cows, including 3 years of insurance. |
| Phase 3 | 12.5% subsidy for transportation and 12.5% for remaining project costs. |
Subsidy Details
- Total Cost of Dairy Unit: Rs 62.5 lakh
- Maximum Subsidy Per Beneficiary: Rs 31.25 lakh
- Focus: Indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Gangatiri.
Scheme Implementation
The scheme will initially be rolled out in ten divisional headquarters of Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Meerut, Agra, and Bareilly.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the subsidy:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in animal husbandry.
- At least 0.5 acres of land for the dairy unit and 1.5 acres for green fodder.
- Required documents include identity proof, residence certificate, income certificate, bank account details, passport-sized photographs, and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Application Process
Farmers can apply for the scheme both online and offline. In cases of high application volume, a selection process through e-lottery will be conducted by a committee headed by the Chief Development Officer.
Impact and Benefits
The Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme is designed to significantly impact the dairy sector in Uttar Pradesh, a state that ranks among India’s top milk producers. Here’s how the scheme benefits various stakeholders:
- Increased Milk Production: By focusing on indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Gangatiri, which are renowned for their high milk yield, the scheme aims to improve overall milk production. This is crucial for meeting the increasing domestic demand for milk and dairy products.
- Enhanced Farmer Income: The financial assistance provided through the scheme helps farmers establish and expand their dairy operations. This support reduces the initial investment burden and improves profitability by enabling farmers to invest in high-quality cattle and better infrastructure.
- Improved Cattle Quality: The scheme promotes the use of superior indigenous breeds known for their robustness and productivity. This not only enhances milk yield but also improves the overall health and sustainability of the cattle population.
- Boost to Rural Economy: By increasing dairy production and farmer income, the scheme contributes to the economic development of rural areas. It creates employment opportunities and supports ancillary industries related to dairy farming, such as feed supply and veterinary services.
- Sustainable Practices: Indigenous breeds are well-adapted to local conditions and often require less intensive management compared to exotic breeds. This aligns with sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental impact and promoting organic manure use.
- Government Support and Training: The scheme includes phases for insurance, transportation, and ongoing support, ensuring that farmers have comprehensive assistance throughout the establishment and operation of their dairy units. Additionally, the government may offer training and resources to help farmers optimize their dairy management practices.
- Addressing Milk Supply Gaps: With rising milk demand, particularly in urban areas, the scheme helps address supply gaps by increasing local production. This can stabilize milk prices and reduce dependence on external sources.
Overall, the Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme represents a strategic effort to boost milk production, support dairy farmers, and contribute to the overall growth of the dairy sector in Uttar Pradesh.
The Nandini Farmers Prosperity Scheme presents a valuable opportunity for dairy farmers in Uttar Pradesh to improve their production capabilities and income. With substantial subsidies and a focus on high-quality indigenous breeds, this initiative promises to strengthen the dairy sector and address the imbalance between milk demand and production.
