National Livestock Mission

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

For many farmers and rural entrepreneurs, livestock farming is not only a source of income but also an important part of their livelihood. To strengthen this sector and create better opportunities for livestock-based businesses, the Government of India runs the National Livestock Mission (NLM). Launched in 2014-15 and re-aligned from 2021-22, the scheme focuses on improving livestock productivity, generating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship in areas such as sheep and goat farming, rural poultry, piggery, horse, donkey and camel breeding, and feed and fodder production. Under eligible entrepreneurship activities, beneficiaries can receive a 50% capital subsidy, subject to activity-wise limits of up to ₹50 lakh.

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. NLM is structured around three broad areas: breed development of livestock and poultry, feed and fodder development, and innovation and extension. Its focus is not limited to financial assistance. It also supports breed improvement, better availability and processing of fodder, livestock insurance, applied research, extension activities and skill development so that livestock production can become more productive and commercially sustainable.

The main beneficiaries under the entrepreneurship component include individuals, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organisations (FCOs) and eligible Section 8 companies. Depending on the activity, support is available for projects such as rural poultry units, sheep and goat breeding farms, piggery farms, horse, donkey and camel breeding units, and fodder-related businesses. The maximum subsidy is not the same for every project. For example, eligible rural poultry projects can receive up to ₹25 lakh, sheep and goat projects up to ₹50 lakh, piggery projects up to ₹30 lakh, while eligible horse, donkey, camel and fodder projects can receive assistance of up to ₹50 lakh.

Applicants are generally required to have suitable land, either owned or leased as permitted under the applicable guidelines, relevant training, trained personnel or sufficient experience in the proposed activity, and the ability to contribute the required margin money. A bank loan or, where permitted, a bank guarantee for a self-financed project is also part of the project financing requirements. Applicants must also submit the prescribed KYC and project-related documents and agree to operate the project for the required period. The subsidy is released in instalments after the prescribed project and verification conditions are fulfilled.

Applying for NLM is primarily an online process. Interested applicants can use the NLM portal to register, select the relevant activity, submit the project proposal and upload the required documents. The application is examined by the State Implementing Agency and subsequently goes through the prescribed State and Central approval process. Subsidy for approved entrepreneurship projects is released through SIDBI according to the applicable guidelines. Applicants who need help with eligibility, project preparation, documentation or the status of an application can also contact their State Animal Husbandry Department or the concerned State Implementing Agency.

Livestock owners may also find the Rashtriya Pashudhan Bima Yojana useful, as livestock insurance is an important part of the National Livestock Mission and helps protect eligible animals against financial loss due to death.

How Does National Livestock Mission (NLM) Work?

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) supports eligible livestock and fodder-based projects through capital subsidy, capacity building, insurance and other approved activities. The scheme works through a structured process involving the applicant, State Implementing Agency, bank or financial institution, State Level Executive Committee, DAHD and SIDBI.

For entrepreneurship projects, the applicant first selects an eligible activity and submits the project proposal through the NLM online portal. The project is then examined at the state level and, where required, appraised by the lending bank.

After the project receives the required approvals, the applicant starts implementing the project by arranging the required funds and meeting the prescribed conditions. The subsidy is not given as a single upfront payment. It is released in two instalments after the specified project milestones are completed.

The first subsidy instalment is linked to the required loan disbursement or expenditure by the applicant. After the project is completed, the State Implementing Agency conducts physical verification. Once the required conditions are satisfied, the remaining subsidy is released through SIDBI to the beneficiary's loan account.

The project is also monitored after completion. This helps ensure that the assets created under the scheme are used for the approved purpose and that the project continues to operate as required under the guidelines.

Scheme Benefits

The National Livestock Mission provides support across several livestock and fodder activities. The main benefits focus on reducing the cost of setting up eligible units, improving livestock productivity, strengthening fodder availability, and reducing financial risk through insurance.

• Eligible entrepreneurs can receive a 50% capital subsidy for approved livestock and fodder projects, subject to the activity-wise subsidy limit.
• Rural poultry projects can receive subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh for eligible parent farms, hatcheries and brooder-cum-mother units.
• Sheep and goat breeding projects can receive subsidy ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, depending on the size of the unit.
• Piggery breeding projects can receive subsidy of up to ₹30 lakh.
• Eligible horse and donkey breeding projects can receive subsidy of up to ₹50 lakh, while camel projects can receive assistance according to the approved unit size.
• Eligible hay, silage, TMR and fodder-block units can receive up to ₹50 lakh in capital subsidy.
• Fodder seed processing and grading infrastructure can also receive 50% subsidy up to ₹50 lakh.
• The scheme supports breed improvement to increase productivity and improve the quality of livestock.
• It promotes better availability of quality fodder and fodder seeds for livestock farmers.
• Eligible livestock owners can get support under the livestock insurance component, with the beneficiary contribution set at 15% of the premium under the revised provisions.
• The scheme supports research, innovation, farmer training, skill development and extension activities related to livestock and fodder.
• By encouraging livestock-based enterprises, NLM aims to create employment and additional income opportunities in rural areas.
• Fodder production can also be promoted on eligible wasteland, rangeland and degraded land, helping improve the availability of feed for livestock.

The actual subsidy depends on the type and size of the project, so applicants should check the applicable NLM guidelines before preparing their project proposal.

Sub-Missions Under National Livestock Mission

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) works through three main sub-missions. Each sub-mission focuses on a specific area of livestock development, from improving animal breeds and setting up enterprises to increasing fodder availability and supporting innovation.

1. Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry

• This sub-mission focuses on improving livestock and poultry production through better breeding practices and entrepreneurship. Eligible applicants can set up commercial units for rural poultry, sheep and goat breeding, piggery, and indigenous horse, donkey and camel breeding.
• It also supports genetic improvement activities for sheep, goats and pigs through facilities such as semen stations, semen banks, artificial insemination and germplasm-related activities.

2. Feed & Fodder Development

• This sub-mission aims to improve the availability, production, processing and storage of quality animal feed and fodder. It supports activities such as fodder seed production, fodder seed processing and grading, and the establishment of units for making and storing hay, silage, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and fodder blocks.
• Support is also available for developing fodder on eligible wasteland, rangeland and forest land so that livestock farmers have better access to feed throughout the year.

3. Innovation & Extension

• The third sub-mission focuses on research, innovation, awareness and capacity building in the livestock sector. It supports research and development activities, training, awareness programmes and farmer field schools.
• Livestock insurance is also covered under this sub-mission. This provides financial protection to eligible livestock owners against the loss of insured animals.

NLM Subsidy Amount: Activity-Wise

The National Livestock Mission provides a 50% capital subsidy for eligible entrepreneurship projects. The maximum subsidy depends on the type and size of the project. For eligible entrepreneurship activities, the subsidy is generally released in two equal instalments after the prescribed project milestones are achieved.

1. Rural Poultry Subsidy

For rural poultry, eligible projects involving a parent farm with at least 1,000 parent layers, along with a hatchery and brooder-cum-mother unit, can receive a subsidy of up to ₹25 lakh.

2. Sheep and Goat Subsidy

The subsidy depends on the size of the breeding unit. A unit with 100 females and 5 males can receive up to ₹10 lakh, while a unit with 500 females and 25 males can receive up to ₹50 lakh.

3. Piggery Subsidy

For piggery breeding farms, the maximum subsidy ranges from ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh, depending on the approved unit size.

4. Horse, Donkey and Camel Subsidy

NLM also supports breeding enterprises involving indigenous horse, donkey and camel breeds. These activities were added under the scheme in February 2024.

For these equine and camel activities, the applicable guidelines specify the use of indigenous breeds.

5. Fodder Subsidy

Eligible fodder-related projects such as hay, silage, TMR and fodder-block making and storage units can receive up to ₹50 lakh in capital subsidy. Fodder seed processing and grading infrastructure can also receive up to ₹50 lakh.

Eligibility Requirements

The National Livestock Mission is open to different types of individuals and organisations involved in eligible livestock and fodder activities. However, applicants must meet certain project, financial and operational conditions before applying.

Who Can Apply?

• Individuals
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
• Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
• Farmer Cooperative Organisations (FCOs)
• Eligible Section 8 companies

Key Eligibility Conditions

• Relevant experience or training: The applicant should have relevant training, trained personnel or sufficient experience in the proposed livestock or fodder activity.
• Suitable land: The applicant should have suitable land for setting up the project. Own or leased land may be accepted where permitted under the applicable guidelines.
• Finance arrangement: The applicant should have a loan sanctioned by a bank or financial institution. For an eligible self-financed project, the prescribed bank guarantee requirement must be fulfilled.
• Own contribution: The applicant must be able to contribute at least 10% of the project cost as margin money.
• Required documents: The applicant must have the required KYC documents and other documents related to the proposed project.
• Project operation: The applicant should be capable of operating and maintaining the project for at least 3 years after completion.

Activity-Specific Requirements

Additional conditions may apply depending on the activity selected under NLM. These requirements can differ for rural poultry, sheep and goat farming, piggery, horse, donkey, camel breeding and fodder-related projects.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit documents related to their identity, proposed project, land, financial arrangements and experience. The exact requirements may differ according to the NLM activity and the type of applicant.

Project and Land Documents

• Detailed Project Report (DPR): Details of the proposed activity, project cost, source of funds and expected income.
• Land document: Proof of land ownership or a valid lease document for the project site.
• Site photographs: Recent photographs of the proposed project location, wherever required.
• Margin money proof: Documents showing the applicant's share in the project cost.

Identity and Applicant Documents

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Address proof
• Recent photograph
• Caste certificate, where applicable

Bank and Financial Documents

• Bank account details
• Cancelled cheque and bank mandate form
• Recent bank statement, where required
• Income Tax Return and audited financial statements, where applicable
• Documents related to the sanctioned bank loan or bank guarantee, depending on the financing method

Documents for Organisations

Applicants applying through an eligible organisation may need to provide documents establishing the legal status of the organisation, such as:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Partnership deed, where applicable
• Registration certificate or other relevant organisational documents

Training and Experience Documents

• Training certificates related to the proposed activity
• Relevant education certificates
• Experience certificates or other documents showing experience in livestock farming or the proposed activity

Additional Documents

Applicants may also need to submit other documents required for project appraisal, verification or approval. These requirements can vary according to the selected activity, such as poultry, sheep and goat farming, piggery, horse, donkey, camel breeding or fodder-related projects.

Steps to Apply

Applying for assistance under the National Livestock Mission involves more than simply filling out an online form. The applicant first needs to select the right activity, prepare a suitable project proposal and then complete the application and financing formalities through the prescribed process. The application is submitted online through the NLM portal, which provides the application, document formats and other scheme-related information.

• First, open the National Livestock Mission portal and review the available scheme information, operational guidelines and application instructions before starting the application.
• Choose the livestock or fodder activity for which you want to seek assistance, such as rural poultry, sheep and goat farming, piggery or an eligible feed and fodder project.
• Prepare the required Detailed Project Report (DPR) with details of the proposed unit, project cost, financing arrangement, land and other relevant information. The portal also provides model DPRs for poultry, piggery, sheep/goat and feed and fodder projects.
• Register on the NLM application system using the details requested on the portal and complete the application form for the selected activity.
• Upload the required documents, such as the DPR, land documents, KYC documents, financial details and training or experience certificates, as applicable to the project.
• Provide the details of the proposed financing arrangement and select a suitable lending bank or financial institution where bank finance is required.
• After submission, the application is examined by the State Implementing Agency. The project is then processed through the prescribed State-level and Central-level approval process.
• Once the required approvals and financing conditions are completed, the approved subsidy is released through the prescribed system in instalments linked to project progress.
• Applicants who face difficulty while preparing the project or completing the online process can approach their State Animal Husbandry Department or the concerned State Implementing Agency for assistance.

Before submitting the application, it is advisable to check the latest instructions shown on the NLM portal because the department can issue amendments, additional document requirements or activity-specific instructions. The portal currently provides separate sections for application steps, operational guidelines and document formats.

How NLM Subsidy Is Released

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) subsidy is released in two instalments. The payment depends on the progress of the approved project and completion of the required verification.

First Instalment

The first instalment is 50% of the approved subsidy.

• For bank-financed projects, the bank should have disbursed at least 25% of the sanctioned loan.
• For eligible self-financed projects, the applicant should have spent at least 25% of the project cost from their own funds.
• The State Implementing Agency verifies the required expenditure or loan disbursement.

Second Instalment

The remaining 50% of the approved subsidy is released after the project is completed.

• The State Implementing Agency carries out physical verification.
• The project site, land and GIS location may be checked.
• The agency verifies that the approved project assets have been created.

For Self-Financed Projects

Applicants using the self-financing option for an eligible project need to provide a bank guarantee valid for three years in favour of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

The prescribed integrity undertaking and surety bond are also required before subsidy release.

When Can NLM Subsidy Be Recovered?

NLM subsidy is linked to the proper completion and operation of the approved project. If the project does not follow the approved conditions, the government may recover the subsidy.

• The project is not completed as approved.
• The project stops operating after receiving the subsidy.
• The project is abandoned within 3 years of starting commercial production.

However, the recovery provisions do not apply in situations covered under force majeure, as provided in the guidelines.

After the project is completed, the State Implementing Agency continues to monitor it for 2 years. Project assets are also geo-tagged to help verify that the approved project is being implemented at the specified location.

What Expenses Are Not Covered Under NLM?

NLM subsidy is provided for eligible capital costs under approved activities. The following expenses are not covered:

Applicants should keep these exclusions in mind while preparing their Detailed Project Report (DPR) and calculating the eligible project cost.

Livestock Insurance Under NLM

Livestock insurance under NLM provides financial protection to livestock owners against the loss of eligible insured animals. It covers milch animals, pack animals and several other livestock categories, while poultry is not covered.

Insurance is generally available for up to 10 cattle units per household. One cattle unit equals 10 small animals such as sheep, goats, pigs or rabbits. The sum insured is based on the animal's market value, with a premium ceiling of 4.5% in normal areas and 5.5% in North-Eastern and Himalayan areas.

Livestock owners can check the applicable process and complete insurance-related requirements through their state implementing authority or the National Livestock Insurance Portal.

Relevant Links

• Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying – National Livestock Mission
• National Livestock Mission Application Portal
• National Livestock Mission – Comprehensive Operational Guidelines
• National Livestock Mission – Amended Implementation Guidelines
• National Livestock Mission – EDP Dashboard
• National Livestock Insurance Portal

Contact Information

For queries related to the National Livestock Mission, applicants can contact the NLM Division of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. For application-related assistance at the state level, applicants should also contact their concerned State Animal Husbandry Department or State Implementing Agency.

Department: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India

• Phone: 23382354
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Chanderlok Building, Janpath, New Delhi

For NLM-specific departmental contact, the DAHD directory currently lists the Joint Secretary (NLM/SD) with telephone number 23382354 and email [email protected]. It also lists the Director (NLM) at telephone number 23386035 and email [email protected].