The Puducherry government aims to boost milk production by procuring 2.34 crore litres of milk, implementing a 5% incentive, and enhancing breeding programs with subsidies and new technologies.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Puducherry government aims to enhance its milk procurement and animal husbandry sectors with several strategic initiatives. The plan includes significant investments in subsidies, infrastructure, and breeding programs to boost local milk production and support farmers.
Milk Procurement Goals
The government has set a target to procure 2.34 crore litres of milk from Co-operative Milk Producer Societies this fiscal year. To support this effort, a 5% incentive based on the value of procured milk is proposed in the 2024 Budget. This move is part of a broader strategy to stabilize milk supply and encourage local production.
Subsidies and Support for Farmers
To reduce production costs and increase milk output, the Cooperation Department has been allocated ₹59.49 crore. A major component of this support includes a 75% subsidy on cattle feed, provided through the Pondicherry Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union (PCMPU) to members of Primary Milk Producers’ Co-operative Societies.
Cattle Subsidies and Advanced Breeding
In a bid to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, the government plans to distribute Single Milch Cows at a 50% subsidy to 1,000 farmers. Additionally, with ₹76.56 crore allocated to the Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Department, the government will produce 1,000 In-Vitro Fertilised (IVF) embryos. These embryos are expected to result in high genetic potential female calves with 90% accuracy. Notably, Puducherry is pioneering this scheme with a 100% subsidy.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Veterinary Services
As part of the budget’s initiatives, Key Village Units will be upgraded to Minor Veterinary Dispensaries. This upgrade aims to enhance the quality of veterinary services available to livestock farmers and improve overall infrastructure.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission and Breeding Efficiency
The government will continue using Sorted Semen under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission – Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme to enhance breeding efficiency and boost the production of female calves..
New Initiatives and Programs
In a new initiative, the government proposes to distribute Pellet Making Machines at a 100% subsidy to 400 farmers. Additionally, 10,000 Asil chicks will be distributed at a 50% subsidy to eligible farmers. The Pondicherry Co-operative Sugar Mill in Lingareddipalayam will be reopened with private assistance for ethanol and sugar production.
Financial Assistance and Compensation
The government will also convert some loans extended to Co-operative Societies in the last financial year into grants, provided these societies can generate at least 10% of the amount to be converted. Under the Poultry Development Programme, chicks with cages and feed at a 50% subsidy will be provided to encourage backyard poultry production, with each unit costing around ₹7,500. Due to a positive response, the distribution of 17,000 turkey poults at a 50% subsidy will continue this year.
Compensation for Livestock
Starting this fiscal year, compensation for the death of uninsured cows will increase from ₹6,000 to ₹25,000, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting livestock farmers.
The Puducherry government’s comprehensive plan for fiscal year 2024-25 focuses on boosting milk production and supporting animal husbandry through substantial subsidies, advanced breeding programs, and infrastructure improvements. These initiatives are designed to enhance local milk supply, support farmers, and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Puducherry.