Agartala, March 14, 2026: The Government of India has created significant livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural youth under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), particularly in the Cachar district of Assam. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
According to the government, several initiatives have been implemented in Cachar under the mission to strengthen livestock-based livelihoods. Around 360 beneficiaries were supported through scientific livestock production activities such as goatery, poultry and piggery, with 120 beneficiaries in each sector. Additionally, 200 farmers benefited from fodder production initiatives undertaken on agricultural land to improve feed availability for livestock.
To enhance awareness and capacity building, 100 workshops on livestock feed and fodder were organised for farmers and rural youth. Under cluster-based initiatives, goats were provided to 20 units of clusters or Self-Help Groups (SHGs), benefiting 200 individuals. Furthermore, 150 beneficiaries received Low Input Technology birds, with each unit supplied with 50 four-week-old birds to support backyard poultry farming.
The government also stated that no projects related to camels, horses or donkeys have been approved under the scheme in Cachar district so far. While there are currently no women-led SHG beneficiaries officially recorded under NLM in Assam, the state government reported 313 women-led SHG beneficiaries in Cachar and 520 across Assamthrough related initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing a livestock insurance initiative under the mission across the country. The scheme now provides enhanced coverage, with the subsidy limit increased from five to ten cattle units per household, and the farmers’ share of the insurance premium reduced to 15 percent, making livestock protection more affordable. The remaining premium is shared by the Centre and states, with a 90:10 funding ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
Officials said awareness programmes and training for veterinary officers are being conducted to increase the coverage of livestock insurance among farmers and livestock owners.
