Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: In a step toward enhancing the income of farmers and livestock rearers, both the central and MP state governments are committed to increasing milk production.

The Madhya Pradesh government has launched the Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana which is providing up to 33 per cent subsidy to farmers.

Under this scheme, dairy units consisting of 25 milch animals will be established. The cost of each unit can go up to Rs 42 lakh.

Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: Who can avail benefits of the scheme?

• The scheme is open to livestock rearers from all communities.
• Applicants must be residents of Madhya Pradesh and at least 21 years old.
• Mandatory dairy farming training must be completed from a government or government-recognized institution
• The applicant must apply online through the designated portal
• A minimum of 3.50 acres of agricultural land is required per unit.
• Joint family land can be used with the consent of all owners.

Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: Eligibility

• Preference will be given to those already supplying milk to registered milk unions
• Beneficiaries located on existing or new milk routes will be prioritised
• A single applicant can own up to 8 units (maximum 200 animals)
• Units can consist of high-yielding indigenous cows, crossbred cows, or buffaloes, as per the beneficiary’s preference
• Once a beneficiary repays the loan from the first cycle, they become eligible for a new loan after a minimum gap of two years

Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: Subsidy, loan details

Under this scheme, beneficiaries are required to operate the dairy unit continuously for up to seven years or until the loan is fully repaid. The loan amount will be disbursed in four instalments, and selection of beneficiaries will follow a "first come, first served" basis through an online application process.

In terms of subsidy, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries will receive 33 per cent of the project cost, while beneficiaries from other categories will be eligible for a 25 per cent subsidy.

This subsidy will be provided as a lump sum after a three-year lock-in period from the date of the first disbursement.

Moreover, no interest will be charged on the subsidy amount, and beneficiaries have the option to repay the loan earlier than the scheduled tenure without any penalty.

According to the CM Mohan Yadav, the state is working on a strategy to bring 50 per cent of its villages under a structured milk collection network.

As part of this initiative, 381 new dairy cooperative societies have been established and connected 9,500 milk producers to the cooperative dairy system.