Madhya Pradesh Plans ₹900 Monthly Aid for Indigenous Cow Rearers

The Madhya Pradesh government is preparing to launch a new financial assistance scheme for the protection of indigenous cows and promotion of milk production. Under the scheme, selected farmers who rear recognised indigenous breeds of cows in the state will receive financial assistance of ₹900 every month.

The scheme is being prepared for launch on 15 November, on the occasion of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas. The day is observed as the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The initiative is being brought by the government led by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

The government plans to begin the scheme on a limited scale. In the first phase, 100 villages will be selected across Madhya Pradesh. Five livestock rearers from each village will be chosen as beneficiaries. This means that a total of 500 farmers will receive monthly financial assistance during the initial phase.

The scheme’s complete framework was presented in the cabinet meeting held on 27 October under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department made a detailed presentation on the proposed plan.

The government is preparing to spend around 40 crore rupees every year on implementing the scheme. A provision for the required amount will be made in the upcoming Second Supplementary Budget.

The scheme includes six traditional and regionally recognised indigenous breeds of Madhya Pradesh. The government has included these breeds with the stated aim of encouraging their protection and development.

The Nimari breed is found in the Nimar region, including Khargone, Khandwa, Barwani and Dhar. The Malvi breed is prevalent in the Malwa region, including Mandsaur, Shajapur, Rajgarh and Ujjain.

The Kenkatha breed is reared in Bundelkhand, including Panna, Chhatarpur and areas around the Ken River. The Gaolao breed is found mainly in the areas of Chhindwara, Seoni and Balaghat.

The Mahakaushali breed is present in the areas of Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni and Amarkantak. The Garhi-Kheri breed is found in the tribal-dominated areas of Chhindwara, Mandla and Dindori.

The government has said that the initiative is intended to go beyond providing financial assistance to livestock rearers. It also aims to protect local cattle breeds of Madhya Pradesh from becoming extinct and encourage their development.

Regular financial support is expected to encourage farmers to rear indigenous cows. The scheme is also linked to the government’s focus on increasing farmers’ income through support for indigenous cattle rearing and milk production.

The proposed launch on 15 November and the final guidelines related to eligibility and the selection process are now being awaited. The government is preparing to make the scheme operational after finalising these details.