Maintenance Of Pregnant Desi/Indigenous Cow/Buffalo Ration Scheme For BPL Families Belonging To Scheduled Caste (SC) Category

Description
The scheme “ Maintenance of Pregnant Desi/Indigenous Cow/Buffalo Ration Scheme for BPL families belonging to Scheduled Caste SC category ” had been launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh with the aim to provides a 50% subsidy on a balanced ration for pregnant cows or buffalo during the last trimester of pregnancy. Under this scheme, balanced ration @ 3kg/day/cow or buffalo for maximum of two animals for three months during the last trimester of pregnancy at 50% subsidy of BPL families belonging to the Scheduled Caste category may be provided. Objectives: 1. Increase in milk production thereby providing more economic gains to the farmers. 1. To reduce the inter-calving period which will ultimately result in more calves and higher milk production. 1. To improve the health of pregnant cows & buffaloes so that their full milk production potential can be realized after parturition. 1. To ensure the birth of healthy calves free of diseases and malnutrition so that they grow to become higher-producing animals. 1. As the incentive is being given to Desi/Indigenous cows and buffaloes, the farmers can be motivated to rear such animals. Assumptions: - A balanced ration will be provided @ 3kg/day/cow for three months last trimester of pregnancy . - The cost will be shared by the Government and beneficiary on a 50:50 basis. - The cost of feed will depend upon the tender/approved rates.

Benefits
• **Ration:** 3 kg of balanced ration per day for a maximum of two animals for three months. 1. **Milk production:** Milk production increases by 2 liters per day after feeding the ration. 1. **Income:** If the farmer sells the milk at 30 rupees per liter during the 300-day lactation period, their income may increase by approximately 18,000 rupees per year.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The beneficiary should be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
2. Livestock owners belonging to BPL of Scheduled Caste category families rearing Desi/Indigenous/crossbred cows or buffaloes are eligible under the scheme.
3. The subsidy will be provided to each BPL of Scheduled Caste category families for a maximum of up to two Desi/Indigenous cows/their crosses or buffaloes.

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar card.
• Copy of Bank Passbook.
• Number of animals along with their Ear Tag Number.
• Copy of BPL certificate.
• Copy of Pregnancy certificate.
• Copy of Income certificate.
• Copy of Residence proof.
• Other relevant documents as listed by the department from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The objective of this scheme is to (1) Increase milk production thereby providing more economic gains to the farmers. (2) Reduce the inter-calving period which will ultimately result in more calves and higher milk production (3) Improve the health of pregnant cows & buffaloes so that their full milk production potential can be realized after parturition. (4) Ensure the birth of healthy calves free of diseases and malnutrition so that they grow to become higher-producing animals (5) Motivate the farmers to rear such animals.

Q: By which department was this scheme launched?
A: Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh

Q: Who is eligible under this scheme?
A: Livestock owners belonging to BPL of Scheduled Caste category families rearing Desi/ Indigenous/ crossbred cows or buffaloes are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: At what rate will the balanced ration be provided to the eligible beneficiary?
A: Families belonging to BPL of Scheduled Caste category rearing Desi/Indigenous cows or buffaloes will be provided a balanced ration @ 3kg/day/cow or buffalo.

Q: For how many animals will the balanced ration be provided?
A: The balanced ration will be provided for a maximum of up to two Desi/Indigenous cows/their crosses or buffaloes.

Q: For how many months will the balanced ration be provided for the animals?
A: The balanced ration will be provided for three months during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Q: How much will subsidy be provided to each eligible beneficiary under the scheme?
A: The balanced ration will be provided at a 50% subsidy to the eligible beneficiary.

Q: What is the ratio of cost shared by the Government and beneficiary under this scheme?
A: The cost will be shared by the Govt. and beneficiary on a 50:50 basis.

Q: On which factor the cost feed will depend?
A: The cost of feed will depend upon the tender/approved rates.

Q: What is the outcome of this scheme?
A: After feeding a balanced ration during the last trimester of pregnancy, milk production increased by 2 liters/day.

Q: How can I apply under the scheme?
A: The beneficiary may apply online mode. (https://hpahdbt.hp.gov.in/Home/MaintenanceCowBuffaloRationSchemeUnderScsp)