The several animal husbandry schemes run by the Union Government would be modified during the 12th Plan, based on feedback from stakeholders, said Sanjay Bhoosreddy, Joint Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, on Thursday.
Speaking to mediapersons after participating in a zonal workshop for government and bank officials from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry here, Mr. Bhoosreddy said that the schemes are mainly targeted at unemployed youth and people below the poverty line.
Mr. Bhoosreddy said that Rs. 75.55 crore has been allocated for the four feed and fodder development schemes this year. Among the projects funded are silage plants, chaff cutting machines and azolla cultivation.
“Milk yields and quality can improve dramatically if cattle are fed with azolla,” he said. The projects are offered a subsidy ranging from 25 per cent to 33.33 per cent depending on the social category the beneficiaries belong to.
Mr. Bhoosreddy said that the Poultry Venture Capital Fund offers subsidised funding for activities in the poultry growing cycle — from hatcheries to slaughterhouses and “chicken parlours”, he said. He said that farmers across the country who suffer losses because of culling for suspected bird flu are being compensated.
“Karnataka farmers are among the most enthusiastic when it comes to sheep or goat rearing,” Mr. Bhoosreddy said.
