The Government of Gujarat, through the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, has launched the “Scheme for Subsidy on Interest for Establishment of 1 to 20 Milch Animal Farm for Scheduled Caste.” This initiative aims to uplift small and poor farmers from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community by providing financial assistance in the form of interest subsidies. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail loans for purchasing 1 to 20 milch animals (cows and buffaloes) at subsidized interest rates, enabling them to establish sustainable dairy farms and improve their livelihoods.
Objective of Gujarat Animal Farms Loans
The primary objective of this scheme is to provide affordable credit to SC farmers for setting up milch animal farms. By offering an interest subsidy of 12% per annum for five years, the government seeks to reduce the financial burden on farmers while promoting livestock farming as a viable source of income. Additionally, the scheme encourages eco-friendly agricultural practices by utilizing organic manure produced from animal dung and converting agricultural by-products into value-added products like milk, meat, and more.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
- Interest Subsidy:
- Beneficiaries can avail an interest subsidy of 12% per annum on the bank loan amount for five years.
- The subsidy will be calculated based on the lower of:
- The actual interest charged by the bank.
- Or, 12% per annum on the unit cost of the animal or the loan amount advanced by the bank.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
- The interest subvention will be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s loan account in installments, ensuring transparency and timely disbursement.
- Support for Livestock Farming:
- Beneficiaries can purchase 1 to 20 milch animals (cows and buffaloes) based on their capacity to maintain them.
- The scheme also promotes the use of organic manure for improving soil fertility and crop yields, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the benefits under this scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions;
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat State.
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- The scheme is specifically designed for small and poor farmers.
- The applicant must have availed a loan for setting up the milch animal farm during the current financial year (2023-24) through a nationalized bank or RBI-approved financial institution.
- The land should be owned by a member of the beneficiary’s family or the beneficiary themselves.
Note: The grant provided under this scheme cannot be used for any purpose other than establishing the livestock unit. A certificate from the Animal Husbandry Authority is mandatory for availing benefits.
Exclusions
- Loans obtained from unauthorized financial institutions are not eligible for interest subsidies.
- The scheme does not cover individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria, such as non-SC applicants or those who fail to produce required documents.
How to Apply – Online Process
The application process is entirely online through the I-Khedut Portal. Here’s how you can apply;
- Visit the official I-Khedut Portal (Site is not working).
- Click on the “Apply New” button to submit a new application.
- Fill in all the required details and upload relevant documents, including Aadhaar card, caste certificate, loan account passbook, and land ownership proof.
- Confirm the application within seven days of saving it online.
- Submit the signed application along with supporting documents to the office address mentioned on the portal.
- Take a printout of the confirmed application for future reference.
Important Notes:
- Ensure that uploaded PDF files do not exceed 200 KB in size.
- If incorrect or incomplete documents are uploaded, the beneficiary must submit the correct documents to the concerned office within seven days.
Essential Documents
To ensure smooth processing of your application, make sure you have the following documents ready;
- Government-approved photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card)
- Proof of land ownership (if applicable)
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Ration card (if applicable)
- Bank account details
- Beneficiary’s undertaking/consent form
- Loan account passbook or bank disbursement certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the objective of the scheme?
A1. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to SC farmers for setting up milch animal farms by offering interest subsidies on loans.
Q2. Which department has launched this scheme?
A2. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat.
Q3. Who is eligible to get the benefits of the scheme?
A3. Small and poor farmers belonging to the Scheduled Caste community who are permanent residents of Gujarat State are eligible.
Q4. What is the condition for availing the benefits under the scheme?
A4. The applicant must have obtained a loan for setting up the milch animal farm during the current financial year (2023-24) through a nationalized bank or RBI-approved financial institution.
Q5. What is the benefit of the scheme?
A5. Beneficiaries receive an interest subsidy of 12% per annum on the loan amount for five years, deposited directly into their loan account via DBT.
Q6. How will the interest be calculated?
A6. The subsidy will be calculated based on the lower of:
- The actual interest charged by the bank.
- Or, 12% per annum on the unit cost of the animal or the loan amount advanced by the bank.
Q7. Should the land be in the name of the beneficiary?
A7. The land should be owned by a member of the beneficiary’s family or the beneficiary themselves.
Q8. How can a beneficiary apply under the scheme?
A8. Applications must be submitted online through the I-Khedut Portal.
Q9. In how many days should the beneficiary confirm the online application?
A9. The beneficiary must confirm the application within seven days of saving it online.
Q10. Is it mandatory to submit the application to the concerned office or upload it on the I-Khedut Portal?
A10. Both steps are mandatory. After uploading the application online, the signed copy and supporting documents must be submitted to the concerned office.
Conclusion
The “Scheme for Subsidy on Interest for Establishment of 1 to 20 Milch Animal Farm for Scheduled Caste” is a commendable initiative by the Gujarat government to empower marginalized farmers. By reducing the cost of borrowing and promoting sustainable dairy farming, the scheme not only improves livelihoods but also contributes to environmental sustainability and rural development. If you’re an SC farmer looking to establish a milch animal farm, don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure financial assistance.
For more information, visit the official I-Khedut Portal or contact your nearest agriculture department office today!
