The Gujarat government, through its Agriculture Department, offers an interest subsidy to Scheduled Tribe farmers for setting Read More... up dairy farms with 1 to 20 milch animals. Read less
Details
Farmers from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Gujarat can now get a helping hand to set up their own dairy farms. The state government has introduced a scheme to provide significant relief on bank loan interest, making it easier to purchase cows and buffaloes.
This initiative by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat, aims to support small and poor farmers belonging to the ST category. Under this scheme, eligible farmers can get financial assistance to purchase between 1 to 20 milch animals. The main benefit is an interest subsidy on the bank loan taken for this purpose, helping reduce the financial burden.
The scheme is specifically designed for individuals who are permanent residents of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Tribe community. It targets small and economically weaker farmers who wish to establish or expand their dairy farming operations by acquiring a small herd of cows or buffaloes.
Dairy farming is a crucial source of income and livelihood for many rural families. By offering an interest subsidy, the scheme encourages more ST farmers to enter this sector, boosting their economic stability. It also promotes the use of animal dung for organic manure, improving soil fertility and crop yields, and can even be used as a domestic fuel source.
Objective
Benefits
Bicycles are provided to construction workers in the plain areas, while sewing machines are provided to construction workers or their dependents in the hilly areas.
Sources and references
Important Points: The land used for the farm should be owned by the beneficiary or a family member. The farm unit should be established for livestock (cows and buffaloes), and a certificate from the Animal Husbandry Authority is required.
Eligible farmers can apply for this scheme through the I-Khedut Portal. The application process is online and requires adherence to the prescribed steps:
What is the main goal of this Gujarat government scheme?
The primary aim is to help small and poor Scheduled Tribe farmers in Gujarat purchase 1 to 20 milch animals, making dairy farming more accessible.
Can anyone apply for this interest subsidy?
No, only individuals who are permanent residents of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Tribe category are eligible to apply.
What kind of financial help does the scheme provide?
The scheme offers an interest subsidy of up to 12% on a bank loan for purchasing animals. This subsidy is available for 5 years and is directly credited to the beneficiary's loan account.
What are the key requirements to get this loan subsidy?
You must have taken a bank loan for your dairy farm unit in the financial year 2023-24 from a nationalized bank or an RBI-approved financial institution. Also, the land for the farm should be owned by you or your family.
How do I submit my application for the scheme?
You need to apply online through the I-Khedut Portal and then confirm your application within seven days. After that, you should upload the signed application and documents online or submit a hard copy to the relevant office.
Which government department is running this scheme?
This scheme is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat.
What if I accidentally upload wrong documents?
If you upload incorrect or incomplete documents online, your application might not be processed. You should submit the correct documents to the concerned office within seven days of your initial application.
Is there a limit to the number of animals I can buy with this scheme?
Yes, the scheme allows you to purchase between 1 to 20 milch animals, depending on your needs and your capacity to manage them.
How is the 12% interest subsidy calculated?
The subsidy is calculated based on the lower of these two: the actual interest charged by the bank, or 12% of the unit cost of the animal/loan amount provided by the bank for purchase.
What documents are essential for the application?
You will need a photo ID, proof of land, Caste Certificate, bank details, loan documents, and a consent form. If you are a person with a disability, a disability certificate is also required.