Mon Dec 16 09:31:05 UTC 2024: ## Madhya Pradesh to Boost Livestock Farming with Subsidies and New Initiatives

**Bhopal, December 10:** Madhya Pradesh’s Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister, Lakhan Patel, has announced a renewed push to boost livestock farming in the state, aiming to double farmers’ income. A state-level review meeting held today outlined several key initiatives.

The minister highlighted the significant contribution of animal husbandry to the rural economy, providing daily income for farmers and generating employment. He emphasized the state government’s commitment, providing approximately 50% subsidy for livestock activities under schemes like the Chief Minister’s Animal Husbandry Development Yojana. Officials were instructed to actively promote these schemes and ensure farmers receive maximum benefits, particularly during the Chief Minister Jan Kalyan Abhiyan.

Key initiatives announced include:

* **Increased support for National Livestock Mission:** Farmers will be encouraged to adopt poultry, goat, pig farming, and fodder production. The promotion of Kadaknath chicken, particularly for sale in larger cities, was highlighted as a profitable venture.
* **Empowering Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs):** SHGs will be integrated into the National Livestock Mission, receiving poultry units (with a proposal to increase the number of poultry per unit from 40 to 100, sent to the central government).
* **Promoting silage use:** Farmers will be encouraged to use silage, a more nutritious and cost-effective feed for livestock than hay, increasing milk yield.
* **Improved animal insurance:** Officials were directed to resolve pending insurance claims promptly, utilizing consumer forums if necessary, to ensure all farmers receive their due.
* **Maintaining mobile veterinary units:** The state’s popular mobile veterinary units (406 units serving a population of 40 million animals) will receive improved maintenance.
* **Animal tagging and improved gaushalas:** Distinct tagging for domestic and stray animals will be implemented. Gaushalas (cow shelters) built under the Chief Minister’s Gau Seva Yojana will receive improved facilities, including biogas plants in larger facilities.

The meeting underscores the state government’s focus on leveraging livestock farming to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in Madhya Pradesh.

Read More