Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Mini Nandini Yojana’ will change the picture of farmers, will provide subsidy worth lakhs for dairy business.

The Uttar Pradesh government is continuously implementing new schemes to increase the income of farmers and strengthen the rural economy. In this context, ‘Mini Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana’ has emerged as a big gift for the farmers and cattle rearers. Under this scheme, huge financial assistance is being provided by the government to the farmers who want to start dairy business. The main objective of the scheme is to promote rearing of indigenous cows, increase milk production and create new employment opportunities in rural areas.

Assistance will be provided on dairy unit of 10 cows

Under Mini Nandini Scheme, beneficiaries are encouraged to set up dairy units of 10 indigenous cows. The total cost of the project under the scheme has been fixed at approximately Rs 23.60 lakh. In this, the government provides subsidy up to a maximum of 50 percent, which can be up to Rs 11.80 lakh. The remaining amount includes the beneficiary’s contribution and bank loan.

Which breeds of cows will get incentive?

Mainly indigenous and high milk yielding breeds have been included under the scheme. Among these, cows like Sahiwal, Gir and Tharparkar are prominent. The government believes that conservation and promotion of these breeds will not only increase milk production but will also lead to a permanent increase in the income of cattle farmers.

Requirements for eligibility

To avail the benefits of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, there should be at least three years of experience in animal husbandry. A minimum requirement of 0.20 acres of land has been fixed for setting up a dairy unit and an additional 0.80 acres of land for animal fodder. The government has also clarified that people who have taken benefits of other similar schemes will not be eligible for this scheme.

Application Process and Selection

Applications for the scheme can be made through online medium. After receiving the application, the district level committee checks the eligibility. If the number of applications in a district exceeds the set target, the beneficiaries are selected through e-lottery. Subsidy is released in two phases and physical verification is also done for it.

Rural economy will get a new base

Experts believe that Mini Nandini Scheme is not just a subsidy scheme, but an important step towards increasing self-reliance in rural areas. Dairy business provides a source of regular income to the farmers and reduces their dependence on farming. This initiative of the state government can take the animal husbandry sector to new heights as well as open new avenues of employment and economic prosperity in the villages.

Also read – Street vendors are in trouble in UP, under this scheme the government is giving interest free loans.