Empowering Farmers with Financial Support for Dairy Development
Dairy farming is a vital part of Gujarat’s rural economy, providing a stable source of income and promoting self-reliance. To further boost this sector, the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat, has launched the “Scheme for Subsidy on Interest for Establishment of 1 to 20 Milch Animal Farm.” This initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on cattle breeders and farmers by offering an interest subsidy on bank loans, making it easier to establish or expand a dairy unit.
Purpose of the Scheme
The core objective of this scheme is to empower farmers and cattle breeders to purchase milch animals, such as cows and buffaloes, to start or grow a dairy business. By subsidizing the interest on loans, the government encourages investment in the livestock sector, which in turn leads to increased milk production, improved rural livelihoods, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. The scheme also highlights the use of organic manure from milch animals, which helps enhance soil fertility and crop yields.
Eligibility: Who Can Benefit?
This scheme is open to all eligible farmers and cattle breeders who are permanent residents of Gujarat. The specific criteria are as follows:
- Residence: The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat.
- Loan Requirement: The beneficiary must have secured a loan for setting up a milch animal farm (with 1 to 20 animals) from a nationalized bank or a financial institution approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Time Frame: The loan must have been obtained in the current financial year.
- Land Ownership: The land for the farm should be owned by the applicant or a member of their family.
- One-time Benefit: Only one member per family can avail the benefits of this scheme.
Benefits: Interest Subsidy for Five Years
The scheme offers a significant financial benefit to help farmers manage their loan repayments:
- Interest Subsidy: Beneficiaries can receive an interest subsidy of up to 12% on the unit cost of the animal or the loan amount, whichever is lower.
- Subsidy Duration: The interest subsidy is available for a period of five years.
- Direct Transfer: The subsidy amount is deposited directly into the beneficiary’s loan account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in installments, ensuring a transparent and hassle-free process.
- Animal Purchase: The scheme allows for the purchase of 1 to 20 milch animals (cows or buffaloes) based on the farmer’s need and capacity to maintain them.
Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application for this scheme is conducted online through the I-Khedut Portal.
- Online Application: Visit the official I-Khedut Portal.
- Scheme Selection: Navigate to the relevant animal husbandry schemes and select the “Scheme For Subsidy On Interest For Establishment Of 1 To 20 Milch Animal Farm.”
- Fill the Form: Complete the online application form with all the necessary details.
- Confirmation: The application must be confirmed within seven days of saving it.
- Offline Submission: After online submission, you will need to take a printout of the signed application and submit it, along with all the required documents, to the concerned office address mentioned on the portal.
Required Documents
To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following documents:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID Card.
- Land Ownership Proof: 7/12 land record or equivalent document.
- Bank Documents: Loan account passbook or a certificate from the lending bank to confirm the loan.
- Undertaking: A consent form or undertaking from the applicant.
- Caste Certificate: If applicable (e.g., for specific versions of the scheme for Scheduled Tribes).
- Disability Certificate: If applicable.
- Ration Card: If applicable.
Conclusion
The Interest Subsidy Scheme for Milch Animal Farms is a commendable effort by the Gujarat government to empower farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy sector. By alleviating the financial burden of loans, the scheme enables individuals to build a prosperous and sustainable livelihood. This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting rural economies and fostering self-employment opportunities.