National Livestock Mission, Objectives, Portal, Scheme

National Livestock Mission is a scheme that promotes sustainable development, supports rural livelihoods and strengthens India’s agriculture economy. Launched in 2014, the scheme was realigned in the financial year 2021-22 and implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. In this article, we are going to look into the objectives, features and significance of the scheme. 

National Livestock Mission Overview 

National Livestock Mission (NLM) was launched as a centrally sponsored scheme in 2014 by the Government of India. The scheme promotes sustainable and holistic development of the livestock sector and focuses on enhancing productivity and addressing the challenges in feed, breeding and health. 

National Livestock Mission Objectives 

The National Livestock Mission addresses the challenges existing in the livestock sector and promote rural development by the following Objectives: 

• Implementing breed improvement programs by improving per-animal productivity. 
• Improve productivity and sustainability by encouraging research in critical areas like poultry, goats, sheep, feed and fodder. 
• Provides better support to farmers by strengthening the capacity of state functionaries and livestock owners through improved extension services. 
• Ensure better livestock health by strengthening disease surveillance and prevention. 
• Provide skill based training by promoting technologies and reducing production costs and improving efficiency. 
• Create employment opportunities through livestock-based enterprises in small poultry and fodder sectors. 

National Livestock Mission Portal

The National Livestock Mission Portal, ‘Udyami Mitra’, is an online platform designed to simplify the process of accessing the scheme’s benefits. Available at ‘nlm.udyamimitra.in’, it allows beneficiaries to:

• Submit their applications
• Undergo screening by State Implementing Agencies (SIAs)
• Secure loan sanctioning from lenders
• Receive subsidy approvals from relevant authorities

The portal serves as a comprehensive, one-stop solution for beneficiaries to apply for subsidies, track their applications, and stay updated on their status.

Sub-Missions in the National Livestock Scheme

The National Livestock Mission comprises three sub-missions having 10 activities after realignment to address specific needs within the livestock sector. Each sub-mission has a unique focus and objectives.

1. Sub-Mission on Breed Improvement of Livestock and Poultry
2. Sub-Mission of Feed & Fodder
3. Sub-Mission on Innovation and Extension.

National Livestock Mission Features

The mission includes several key features aimed at achieving its objectives effectively:

• Increased Production: Focuses on improving animal breeds to boost the production of meat, milk, eggs, and wool.
• Fodder and Feed Development: Enhances the supply of quality feed by strengthening the fodder seed chain and promoting fodder processing units to meet demand.
• Risk Management: Supports livestock insurance to protect farmers from unexpected losses.
• Financial Assistance: Provides subsidies to establish livestock units, benefiting both individual entrepreneurs and groups like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Centralized Implementation: Operates nationwide with an online application process via platforms like Udyami Mitra, ensuring transparency and efficient project approval and funding.

Additional Activities in National Livestock Mission

The Union Cabinet approved modifications to the National Livestock Mission, adding new initiatives such as:

• Entrepreneurship for Horse, Donkey, Mule, and Camel: 50% capital subsidy (up to ₹50 lakhs) for individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, FCOs, and Section 8 companies, including support for breed conservation of horses, donkeys, and camels.
• Fodder Seed Processing Infrastructure: 50% capital subsidy (up to ₹50 lakhs) for setting up fodder processing units, grading plants, and seed storage godowns.
• Fodder Cultivation Support: Assistance for expanding fodder cultivation on non-forest, waste, rangeland, non-arable, and degraded forest lands.
• Livestock Insurance: A simplified insurance program with a reduced beneficiary premium share of 15%, with the Centre and State sharing the premium (60:40, or 90:10 for some states).

In summary, the National Livestock Mission is vital in fostering sustainable growth in the livestock sector by improving productivity, supporting rural employment, and providing essential financial assistance.