Dairy Farming Training in Maharashtra Loans, Subsidies, Schemes
Discover essential insights into Dairy Farming Training in Maharashtra Bank Loans, Subsidies, and Maharashtra Government Schemes to boost your dairy endeavors.
Dairy farming training serves as a cornerstone for the sustained production of milk, a critical ingredient in the creation of dairy products. Many tropical countries face challenges in producing enough milk to meet their domestic demand, prompting government-backed initiatives to enhance local milk production. In these regions, dairy farms often maintain small herds, with fewer than ten milking cows, and face resource limitations in providing adequate feed for their livestock. Multiple factors, such as adverse weather conditions, prevalent diseases, and a lack of understanding regarding proper dairy stock management, further impede milk production. However, the milk yield in tropical dairy farms can be significantly improved through enhancements in feeding practices and advanced management techniques.
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Scope and importance of Dairy Farming training in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, the 3rd largest state in India with a sprawling geographical area of about 3 lakh sq km, boasts a diverse landscape divided into 7 regions and 35 districts. With a population of 112.4 million, it ranks 2nd in terms of population among all Indian states and union territories. This dynamic state is known for its industrialization and urbanization, with a substantial 45% of its population residing in urban areas.
Notably, Maharashtra holds a significant role in the dairy industry, pioneering dairy development in the country. The state is home to a rich tradition of dairy farming, with an annual milk production output of 6.7 million tonnes. However, there’s considerable regional variation in milk production, with the western parts, notably Kolhapur and Sangli, producing more milk than the entire Vidarbha region in the east.
The dairy farming training initiatives in Maharashtra have played a pivotal role in uplifting farmers, both large and small, as well as landless individuals. Over the years, the state has witnessed a remarkable growth in the dairy sector, with the number of dairy farming societies increasing from 450 in 1960-61 to 31,294 in 1990, supported by 36 co-operative milk projects.
Today, Maharashtra is a major player in the dairy industry, with 1,012 chilling centers established in 2009. The co-operative sector contributes significantly, with 85% of the state’s milk supply coming from this sector. Although there has been substantial growth, there is room for further development, as the average daily milk production per cow in Maharashtra is 1.25 liters, lagging behind the national average of 2.20 liters. To align with recommended nutritional standards, increased consumption of milk, ideally 280 grams per day, is needed. In Mumbai alone, 24 lakh liters of milk are distributed daily, with 38 lakh liters distributed in the rest of Maharashtra, highlighting the significance of dairy in the state’s economy.
How to start Dairy Farming ?
The success of a dairy farming hinges on the health and productivity of its cows, their ability to produce milk, and their potential to contribute to the farm’s future through calf rearing. Dairy farming entails comprehensive programs for herd health, reproduction, calf care, and managing the farm’s financial and nutritional aspects. Collaborating with your veterinarian, genetics experts, and extension agents can help you formulate well-rounded farm plans that pave the way for a prosperous future.
In an effort to revamp the unorganized dairy farming sector, the Indian central government introduced a scheme in partnership with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) last year. This initiative is geared towards establishing modern dairy farms and creating employment opportunities for individuals. The government has also announced additional financial support, making this an excellent opportunity for farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in dairy farming.
To get started, you need to:
1. Decide on the specific type of dairy farming activity you want to establish.
2. Register your company.
3. Develop a comprehensive business plan for your dairy farm, which should also include a request for a bank loan (as loan approval often depends on the quality of this proposal).
4. Submit your loan application to a bank that is eligible for refinancing through NABARD
Requirements
When it comes to dairy farming, it’s crucial to understand the key aspects of creating effective dairy sheds. Each dairy animal should have a designated floor space of 10 feet by 5.5 feet, with a floor made of rough concrete and a 1.5% slope towards the drainage system. The sheds should have a minimum height of ten feet and can be constructed using materials like bricks, RCC, or thatch. To provide ventilation and comfort for the animals, only the western side of the shed should be walled, while the other three sides remain open. During the winter, the open sides can be enclosed with a gunny cloth to protect the animals from the cold. For summer heat relief, a provision for sprinkling water on the animals every half an hour is essential.
Dairy farming training plays a pivotal role in the income generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. It has been a traditional source of supplementary income and agricultural support, especially for small and marginal farming communities. However, in recent times, dairy farming has evolved into a profitable and popular enterprise, focusing on high-yielding dairy animals and diversification in agriculture. Dairy animals not only produce milk and provide draft power but also offer valuable farmyard manure, enriching the soil with organic matter and enhancing its fertility.
Furthermore, successful dairy farming requires essential equipment, such as milk cans, milk analyzers, dairy milking machines, portable milking machines, milk analyzer machines, cream separators, milk testing centrifuges, milk testing equipment, and butter churners. These tools are essential for maintaining a thriving dairy operation.
Loans and Subsidies by Maharashtra Government
Dairy farming serves as a pivotal source of consistent supplementary income, particularly beneficial for small and economically challenged farmers. These individuals have the flexibility to acquire anywhere from one to 20 animals based on their specific requirements and capacity for upkeep. When approved by banks authorized by the Indian Reserve Bank, farmers investing in dairy animals like cows and buffaloes can avail a 12 percent interest subsidy on their bank loans. The dairy farming sector is a significant yet unorganized industry in India, playing a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods.
To enhance the dairy farming landscape and facilitate the establishment of dairy farms, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries introduced the “Venture Capital system for Dairy” in 2005. This pioneering system offered interest-free loans for initiating dairy units, resulting in nearly 15,268 dairy farms benefiting from interest-free loans totaling Rs. 146.91 crores by March 31, 2010. Building upon the achievements of the Venture Capital Scheme for Dairy, the Government launched the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme through NABARD in 2010.
Under this scheme, an investment of Rs. 5.00 lakh is required for a unit of ten animals, with a minimum unit size of two animals and a maximum of ten animals. The subsidy provided is 25% of the total expenditure (33.33% for SC/ST farmers), offered as back-ended capital subsidy, with a ceiling of Rs. 1.25 lakh for a unit of ten animals (Rs. 1.67 lakh for SC/ST farmers). For two-animal units, the maximum acceptable capital subsidy is Rs. 25,000 (Rs. 33,300 for SC/ST farmers), with subsidies allocated based on the unit size.
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