Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for sheep and goat

Description
Launched in the Financial Year 2014-15, the scheme "National Livestock Mission" by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, aims towards employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool. The excess production will help in the export earnings after meeting the domestic demands. The concept of the NLM Scheme is to develop the entrepreneur in order to create the forward and backward linkage for the produce available in the unorganized sector and to link with the organized sector. "Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for Sheep and Goat Genetic Improvement of Sheep and Goat Breeds " is a component of the "Sub-mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry" scheme of the National Livestock Mission. The objectives of this component are: - Genetic improvement of Indigenous descript breeds of sheep/goat through selective breeding - Genetic upgradation of non-descript sheep/goat breeds through cross-breeding with high genetic rams or bucks to increase productivity. - Reducing negative selection and inbreeding among sheep & goat breeds by propagation of superior male germplasm through artificial insemination and other developed assisted reproductive technologies. The Central Government will provide assistance for the establishment of a Frozen Semen production laboratory for goat and a liquid semen production laboratory for sheep at regional level in a strategic location to cater the semen of elite animals to the nearby states in the said region. This Establishment of Regional Semen Station will be based on the Expression of Interest from the States in the said Region which can produce semen and supply semen for the states at the region. Also the regional semen station will work as regional semen bank for frozen semen for goat. The semen labs will need to adhere to the guidelines of Minimum standard protocols for semen processing while preparing the project proposals. The semen produced in this laboratory will be distributed to the neighbouring states.

Benefits
• The funding pattern will be 60:40 for all the states except NER & Himalayan States where it will be 90:10 and 100% for UTs.
• One-time grants-in-aid up to Rs. 4,00,00,000 as Central Share will be provided to the concerned state eligible for the establishment of Regional Semen Station for construction of semen laboratory, maintaining of breeding bucks and rams, sourcing of locally available high genetic merit animals and processing of semen.
• Rs. 30,00,000 will also be provided as a one-time expenditure towards procurement of consumables, medicines, chemicals etc. required for first-time processing of semen.
• The regional semen bank shall have to generate its own resources for running of the semen station. No recurring expenditure will be provided for running expenses of the semen station.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Only the State Livestock Agencies are eligible.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Website of "National Livestock Mission" and click "Apply Here".
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Step 1: Visit the Official Website of "National Livestock Mission" and click "Apply Here".

Step 2: Step 2: The following methods of Logging In will be displayed:
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Login to the website using your preferred method.

Step 3: Step 3: On the next page, verify your Mobile Number via OTP. You will be taken to the Online Application Form.
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Step 3: On the next page, verify your Mobile Number via OTP. You will be taken to the Online Application Form.

Step 4: Step 4: In the form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents in the specified format and size.
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Step 4: In the form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents in the specified format and size.

Step 5: Step 5: Agree to the "Declaration & Authorization" by ticking the checkbox. Provide the Date & Place, and finally click "Submit".
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Step 5: Agree to the "Declaration & Authorization" by ticking the checkbox. Provide the Date & Place, and finally click "Submit".

Step 6: Step 1: Screening of application by State Implementing Agency (SIA)
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SIA will scrutinize the submitted application and will recommend the application of the entrepreneurs/ eligible entities to avail balance financing for the project through scheduled banks or financial institutions like National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) etc.

Step 7: Step 2: Loan sanction by Lender
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After the recommendation of the project by SIA, the same will be considered by the bank or financial institutions for financing. Lender will pick the application along with all the documents from the portal and will approve the loan after examining the project/ documents submitted by applicant and completing their internal deligent process. After sanctioning the loan, Lender will upload sanction letter on the portal.

Step 8: Step 3: Recommendation from State Level Executive Committee (SLEC)
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Once the bank or financial institution sanction the project, SIA shall place the same in SLEC for recommending the application to the Central Government (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying).

Step 9: Step 4: Approval of subsidy by DAHD
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DAHD will approve the subsidy and will mark the approval of the same on portal.

Step 10: Step 5: Disbursement and release of subsidy
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After compliance of terms and conditions mentioned in the sanction letter, lender will disburse the loan amount to the beneficiary. fund the subsidy amount for the approved projects through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to the lending Bank or financial institutions as the case may be to release the subsidy to Beneficiaries.
Track Application Status
You can check your application status from the "TRACK STATUS" tab available in the upper right corner of the portal
Help and Support
If you encounter any issues or have questions, visit the "Contact Us" page.

Required Documents
• Detailed project report (DPR)* including cost of project, means of finance, recurring cost, net income etc.
• Land document (Ownership / Lease deed/ Rent Agreement etc.)
• Photographs of project site
• Documentary proof of applicant’s share in the project
• List of farmers linked/attached with applicant comprising Name, Aadhar Number, Mobile No. and Address
• PAN card*
• GST registration certificate
• Certificate of Incorporation (In case of company)
• Partnership Deed (In case of partnership firm)
• Address Proof* (Election Commission Photo ID card, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, Passbook, rent agreement etc.)
• Last three years audited Annual financial statements, if applicable
• Last three years income tax returns, if applicable
• Bank statement for last six months
• Canceled cheque along with bank mandate form*
• PAN Card*
• Aadhar Card*
• Address Proof * (Election Commission Photo ID card, Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, Passbook, rent agreement etc.)
• Photograph*
• Caste certificate, if applicable
• Education certificates
• Training certificates
• Experience letter/ certificate about any livestock farming activities done earlier

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of this scheme?
A: The objective is to genetically improve indigenous sheep/goat breeds through selective breeding, upgrade non-descript breeds by cross-breeding with high genetic rams or bucks, and reduce negative selection and inbreeding by propagating superior male germplasm through artificial insemination and other reproductive technologies.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: State Livestock Agencies are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Q: What financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A: The scheme provides a funding pattern of 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States, and 100% for Union Territories (UTs). It includes a one-time grants-in-aid up to [?] 400 lakh for the establishment of the laboratory and [?] 30 lakh for the initial procurement of consumables, medicines, and chemicals.

Q: What are the key components of the project?
A: Key components include the establishment of a Frozen Semen production laboratory for goats, a liquid semen production laboratory for sheep, and adherence to Minimum Standards for Sheep and Goat Semen Processing (MSP) guidelines.

Q: What is the funding pattern for this scheme?
A: The funding pattern is 60:40 for all states except for NER & Himalayan States where it is 90:10, and 100% for UTs.

Q: What documents are required to apply for this scheme?
A: Required documents include the application form, project proposal, identity proof, address proof, entity registration documents, bank account details, land ownership/lease documents, technical specifications, detailed cost estimates, approval letters, environmental clearances (if applicable), a declaration form, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) from the state.

Q: What is the process for subsidy disbursement?
A: Subsidy is disbursed in two instalments: the first instalment is released upfront after the bank or financial institution confirms the first instalment of the loan, and the second instalment is released after project completion and verification by the State Implementing Agency.

Q: Is recurring expenditure covered under this scheme?
A: No, the scheme does not cover recurring expenditure for running the semen station. The regional semen bank is expected to generate its own resources for operational expenses.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the State Implementing Agency?
A: The State Implementing Agency is responsible for verifying the submitted documents, assessing project feasibility, disbursing funds, and conducting follow-up verification after project completion.

Q: Where can I get more information about the scheme?
A: For more information, contact the State Implementing Agency or the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India.

Q: What are the Minimum Standards for Sheep and Goat Semen Processing (MSP)?
A: The MSP guidelines provide the structure, requirements of logistics, equipment, and protocols for semen processing that the semen labs must adhere to when preparing project proposals.

Q: Can the funding be used for purchasing land?
A: No, the funding cannot be used for purchasing land, working capital, personal vehicles, or the cost of rent and lease of land.

Q: How long will the State Implementing Agency follow up on the project?
A: The State Implementing Agency will follow up on the project for a period of two years after its completion to monitor its operation and sustainability.