Buffalo Entrepreneurship Development Scheme

Description
The "Buffalo Entrepreneurship Development Scheme" was launched by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha. The scheme aims to enhance livestock productivity, especially among marginalized farmers, entrepreneurs, or members of SHG who belong to General, SC, ST categories, SHG members, PWD, Women, and Transgender individuals in Odisha. The scheme will cover all 30 districts of the State. Implementation: The scheme was implemented by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Odisha, Cuttack through the Chief District Veterinary Officers & their field functionaries.

Benefits
• Subsidy Payment for beneficiary opted for Shed:
• Subsidy Payment for beneficiary not opted for Shed:
• NOTE: The beneficiaries are eligible for a back-ended subsidy of 60% for SC, ST, PWD, Women & Transgender categories and 50% for the General category. The subsidy shall be released to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT mode in 2 phases.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a farmer, entrepreneur, or member of SHG.
2. The applicant belongs to General, SC, ST categories, SHG members, PWD, Women, and Transgender individuals.
3. The applicant should purchase two Graded Murrah She Buffaloes, preferably in their 1st or 2nd lactation and yielding a minimum of 8 liters of milk per day.
4. If the applicant is a PwD, their disability should be more than 40%.
5. An individual per family will be eligible to avail assistance only once.
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Required Documents
• Passport-size Photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Bill/Money Receipt
• Disability Certificate
• Bank Detail
• Any Other Documents if Required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: Farmers from General, SC, ST categories, SHG members, PWD, Women, and Transgender individuals across all 30 districts of Odisha.

Q: What is the subsidy offered under the scheme?
A: 60% subsidy for SC, ST, PWD, Women, and Transgender categories, and 50% subsidy for the General category of the total project cost.

Q: What is the unit cost for the project?
A: The unit cost is Rs. 1.97 lakhs for 1+1 Graded Murrah She Buffaloes.

Q: How can I apply for the scheme?
A: Applications can be submitted through the GO-SUGAM portal.

Q: Can I apply if I do not own land?
A: Yes, land ownership details are not mandatory for applying.

Q: Is there a time limit for purchasing the buffaloes?
A: The first buffalo must be purchased within 60 days of the Go-ahead letter issuance, with a 15-day notice if delayed.

Q: What happens if I fail to purchase the buffalo within the given time?
A: The Go-ahead letter will be canceled, and another beneficiary will be selected.

Q: What type of buffaloes can be purchased under this scheme?
A: Graded Murrah She Buffaloes, preferably in their 1st or 2nd lactation and yielding a minimum of 8 liters of milk per day.

Q: Can existing buffalo sheds be used for this scheme?
A: Yes, beneficiaries with existing sheds can opt for only animal induction and avail of the subsidy accordingly.

Q: Who verifies the assets and recommends subsidy release?
A: The Block Level Inspection Team, comprising the BVO, VAS/AVAS, and Livestock Inspector/Veterinary Technician.

Q: Can I apply multiple times for this scheme?
A: No, an individual per family is eligible to avail assistance only once under this scheme.

Q: How will the selection of beneficiaries be prioritized?
A: If suitable beneficiaries of a particular category are not available, priority will be given to interchange among the subsidy eligibility categories.

Q: What if I need assistance during the implementation of the project?
A: LIs/VTs/Gomitras/other workers will provide handholding support to the farmers.

Q: What happens if there are remaining funds after covering all targeted beneficiaries?
A: Remaining funds can be utilized to cover more beneficiaries from the waiting list.

Q: How is the scheme monitored?
A: The CDVO submits a monthly report on the implementation to the Directorate of AH & VS, Odisha.