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SIGNUP

National Livestock Mission (NLM)

At a glance

The National Livestock Mission, run by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), supports people who want to start or grow a livestock business. The scheme was revamped in 2021 to focus on entrepreneurship and breed improvement in rural poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, and feed and fodder. Its best-known part is the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), which gives a 50% capital subsidy on new farm and feed units. A later revision also added support for horse, donkey, and camel breeding.

Who is eligible

  • Individuals (farmers and non-farmers)
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Cooperatives (FCOs)
  • Section 8 (not-for-profit) companies
  • Applicants normally need either a bank loan sanction for the project or proof they can fund their own share

Benefits

50% capital subsidy on the project cost, with these maximum limits:

  • Rural poultry farm (hatchery plus brooder-cum-mother unit): up to Rs 25 lakh
  • Sheep and goat breeding farm: up to Rs 50 lakh
  • Pig breeding farm: up to Rs 30 lakh
  • Feed and fodder units (silage, feed blocks, fodder seed): up to Rs 50 lakh

The subsidy is paid in two equal instalments — one at the start (after loan disbursal/verification) and one after the project is completed and verified. The other half of the cost comes from your bank loan or your own money.

How to apply

  1. Register on the official portal nlm.udyamimitra.in using your mobile number and KYC details.
  2. Fill in the online application and upload your project report (DPR) with costs, income plan, and land details.
  3. The application goes to the State Implementing Agency for checking, then to DAHD for final approval.
  4. If you applied with a bank loan, the bank sanctions the loan before the subsidy is released.

Documents required

  • Aadhaar and PAN card; bank account details
  • Detailed Project Report (DPR)
  • Land documents or lease agreement for the farm site
  • Bank loan sanction letter, or proof of self-financing (bank statement)
  • Training or experience certificate in animal husbandry, if available
  • Caste certificate where applicable — confirm the full list on the portal

Key dates & status

  • Original mission: 2014-15; revamped as entrepreneurship-focused NLM in 2021
  • Portal applications are accepted on a rolling basis (no fixed annual deadline)
  • Active as of 2026 — check the portal for current guidelines before applying

Common questions

Q: Do I need a bank loan to apply? No. You can also self-finance your share, but you must prove you have the funds. Many applicants use a bank loan because the subsidy pairs well with it.

Q: Is the subsidy paid to me directly? It is routed through your lending bank (or SIDBI) and adjusted against the project — not handed over as cash up front.

Q: Can a landless person apply? You need land for the farm, but a valid lease is acceptable — you do not have to own it.

Q: How many animals or birds must the farm have? Minimum unit sizes apply (for example, minimum parent stock for poultry, minimum ewes/does for sheep-goat units). Check the current guidelines on the portal for exact numbers.

Sources: https://www.nlm.udyamimitra.in/FAQ, https://dahd.gov.in/schemes/programmes/national_livestock_mission, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2099684. Last verified: 2026-08-07. Always confirm current details on the official portal before acting.