Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana: ₹1,000 Cash Prize for High-Yielding Animals

The Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana was launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh to encourage livestock owners to rear high-yielding cattle and buffaloes. The scheme provides a cash incentive to farmers whose animals produce 15 liters or more of milk per day, thereby promoting improved animal quality and productivity.

Implementation Strategy

• Fund Disbursement:
  Funds are released to the Controlling Officers based on physical targets fixed for each district.

• Milk Yield Recording:
  Milk production is recorded at veterinary hospitals/dispensaries. The process involves measuring milk yield at four consecutive timings (morning and evening) and calculating the average from three milkings.

• Verification Committee:
  A committee comprising the local Veterinary Officer, a Veterinary Pharmacist/GPVA, and a representative of the local body (verified by the Senior Veterinary Officer) oversees the milk recording.

• Eligibility per Farmer:
  Each farmer can avail of the prize for a maximum of two eligible animals.

• Prize Transfer:
  The cash prize is directly transferred to the bank account of the livestock owner.

Benefits

• Cash Incentive:
  Livestock owners receive a cash prize of ₹1,000 per cattle or buffalo that yields 15 liters or more milk per day.

• Incentive Limit:
  A maximum of two animals per farmer are eligible for the cash prize.

• Additional Benefit:
  Male calves born to these high-yielding dams may be procured and reared at designated sperm stations.

Eligibility

• Residency:
  The beneficiary must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.

• Animal Productivity:
  The scheme is applicable to livestock owners whose cattle or buffaloes produce 15 liters or more of milk per day.

Application Process

Online Application

1. Visit the Official Website:
   Go to Himachal Pradesh AHDBT Portal.

2. Locate the Scheme:
   Search for “Uttam Pashu Puraskar Yojana” on the website.

3. Review Guidelines:
   Read the guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully, then agree to the terms & conditions by clicking ‘Proceed’.

4. Fill the Application Form:
   Access the online application form at Beneficiaries Registration and complete the required details.

5. Attach Documents:
   Upload the necessary documents (proof of identity, bank details, residence, BPL, and caste/category certificates) ensuring each file is ≤200 KB in pdf or jpg format.

6. Submit the Form:
   Click on ‘Submit’ to complete your application.

7. Follow-Up:
   Check the status of your application on the portal and follow up with the concerned department as required.

Note:
Keep a copy of the application form and submitted documents for future reference. Ensure compliance with all scheme guidelines to remain eligible for the benefits.

Documents Required

• Government-approved identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.)

• Copy of Bank Passbook

• Residence proof

• BPL Certificate

• Caste/Category Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the objective of the scheme?
   To incentivize livestock owners for rearing high-yielding cattle and buffaloes by awarding a cash prize for animals that produce 15 liters or more milk per day.

2. By which department was this scheme launched?
   The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

3. Who is eligible under this scheme?
   Permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh who own cattle or buffaloes that yield 15 liters or more of milk per day are eligible.

4. What is the benefit of this scheme?
   Livestock owners receive a cash prize of ₹1,000 per eligible animal, with a maximum of two animals per farmer.

5. How will the milk yield be recorded?
   Milk yield is recorded at veterinary hospitals/dispensaries by a committee, with measurements taken during four consecutive timings and averaging three milkings.

6. Where will the milk recording be done?
   At the designated veterinary hospitals or dispensaries under the Animal Husbandry Department.

7. When will the milk recording be carried out?
   Milk recording can be carried out at any time during the lactation period.

8. How many animals per farmer will be eligible for the prize?
   A maximum of two eligible animals per farmer can receive the cash prize.

9. How can I apply under the scheme?
   Applications can be submitted online via the official AHDBT portal by following the steps outlined above.

Sources and References

• Official Website