New Scheme Announced to Empower Shepherds and Boost Livestock Sector

Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar announced today that a new scheme, “Pahal,” will soon be launched to empower shepherds and promote livestock development.

The scheme carries a budget allocation of ₹294.36 crore and is expected to benefit around 40,000 families. It will provide digital registration, veterinary healthcare, promotion of foreign breeds, subsidies and insurance support for shepherds, and incentives for startups in wool, milk, and meat production.

The minister also announced that on October 4, a Milk Incentive Scheme will be rolled out for farmers supplying milk to eligible non-government dairy cooperatives. Under this program, dairy farmers will receive a subsidy of ₹3 per liter to strengthen their livelihoods and increase milk production.

He said that in the first phase, 331 dairy cooperatives have already been established, with more to be added in the second phase. The cooperatives are to be set up in high-production areas, with registration to be completed by October 15.

Kumar further highlighted that the department is actively promoting poultry farming, which has already seen a 52% increase in broiler production. The aim is to develop poultry as a viable business model and create new employment opportunities for rural youth.