The Yogi government has taken a significant step towards making animal husbandry a strong driver of farmers’ income growth and employment generation for rural youth in Uttar Pradesh.
At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, the State Livestock Mission (SLM) was approved. The mission aims to organise the livestock economy and integrate it with modern technology, entrepreneurship and global trade, with a special focus on small and marginal farmers and entrepreneurs.
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh said, “Uttar Pradesh has the largest livestock population in the country and ranks first in milk production. The mission will now focus on enhancing productivity, improving market systems, promoting value addition and strengthening digital management.”
He added, “Animal husbandry would play an important role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of doubling farmers’ income. The State Livestock Mission has been approved for the first time in Uttar Pradesh. Emphasis is being laid on the development of improved breeds and breed enhancement, including Sahiwal, indigenous and Haryana breeds.”
A subsidy of ₹40,000 for one improved-breed cow and ₹80,000 for two cows has also been provided for. Goat, sheep, pig and poultry farming are also being encouraged. In addition, 100 chicks each are being provided to needy families.
The Livestock Minister said, “Entrepreneurship would be promoted through five sub-missions: Livestock Entrepreneurship and Startup Development; Livestock and Poultry Breed Development; Innovation and Digital Livestock; Fodder and Feed Development; and Research, Globalisation and Knowledge Systems Development.”
These sub-missions will help strengthen livestock startups, fodder production, value addition, producer organisations and supply chains.
The mission will focus on improving the quality and market access of livestock products through AI, digital traceability and climate-resilient technologies. Training will also be provided to enhance the skills of livestock farmers.
He said the mission is a state-funded scheme. Subsidies selected projects will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts after the prescribed milestones are achieved, the screening committee completes its process and approval is granted by the PAC. The mission will also encourage the public-private partnership (PPP) model for infrastructure development and service delivery.
Livestock farming to raise farmers’ incomes; livestock startups to get a boost, sector to be modernised through AI and digital technology
Five sub-missions to promote livestock entrepreneurship, breed improvement and innovation
