The Scheme For Subsidy On Interest For Establishment Of 1 To 20 Milch Animal Farm For Scheduled Caste was initiated by the Dept. of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat. It enables small and poor Scheduled Caste farmers in Gujarat to purchase 1 to 20 dairy animals (cow or buffalo) based on their need and capacity. The scheme provides an interest subsidy at 12% on a bank loan for a period of 5 years, applicable if the beneficiary obtains the loan during the current financial year 2023-24 through a nationalized bank or an RBI-approved financial institution. In addition, the scheme offers good-quality organic manure to improve crop fertility and yields, with surplus fodder by-products being utilized for value-added products such as milk and meat.
• Note 01: The interest subsidy will be deposited in the beneficiary’s loan account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in installments; no cash assistance is provided.
• Note 02: The interest is calculated on the actual interest, subject to a maximum of 12%, whichever is lower, based on the animal price or interest paid by the bank.
Benefits
• The beneficiary can purchase 1 to 20 milch animals at a subsidized rate.
• An interest subsidy of up to 12% is provided on the unit cost or the bank loan advanced, whichever is lower, for 5 years.
Eligibility
• The applicant should be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
• The scheme is available to small and poor farmers of Gujarat.
• The beneficiary must have obtained a loan for setting up the unit in the current financial year 2023-24 through a nationalized bank or RBI-approved financial institution.
• Note 01: The land should be owned by a family member or beneficiary.
• Note 02: The grant under this scheme may not be used for any other purpose and is paid annually.
• Note 03: Establishment of the unit requires certification from the Animal Husbandry Authority.
Application Process
Online
• Step 01: Apply online at the I-Khedut Portal: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/iKhedutPublicScheme/Public/frm_Public_ANH2_SchemeApplicaiton.aspx
• Step 02: Click on the “Apply New” button to submit a new application.
• Step 03: Click on the “Update Application” button to make any corrections.
• Step 04: Click on the “Upload Document” button to upload all relevant documents.
• Step 05: Confirm the application within seven days from the date of saving the online application.
• Step 06: The application must be signed and submitted along with supporting documents to the office address mentioned on the application, or the scanned copy can be uploaded after confirmation.
• Step 07: Take a printout of the confirmed application.
• Note 01: The application will only be accepted online if correct and sufficient documents, signed or fingerprinted by the beneficiary, are uploaded.
• Note 02: If wrong/incomplete documents are uploaded, the beneficiary must submit the remaining or correct documents to the concerned office within seven days.
• Note 03: Scanned copies in PDF format should not exceed 200 KB.
Documents Required
• Government-approved photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card)
• Evidence of land ownership (if applicable)
• Caste Certificate (issued by a competent authority)
• Disability Certificate (only for disabled, if applicable)
• Ration Card (if applicable)
• Bank account details
• Beneficiary’s Undertaking/Consent Form
• Loan account passbook or bank disbursement certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The scheme aims to assist small and poor Scheduled Caste farmers in establishing a milch animal farm by providing an interest subsidy on bank loans and promoting additional benefits like high-quality organic manure.
Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: It is launched by the Dept. of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare & Co-operation, Government of Gujarat.
Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits of the scheme?
A: Permanent residents of Gujarat belonging to the Scheduled Caste category who are small and poor farmers and have obtained a bank loan for the unit setup in 2023-24 are eligible.
Q: What is the condition for availing the benefits under the scheme?
A: The beneficiary must secure a loan through a nationalized bank or an RBI-approved financial institution in the current financial year 2023-24.
Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Beneficiaries can purchase 1 to 20 dairy animals at subsidized rates and receive an interest subsidy of up to 12% on the loan for 5 years.
Q: How will the interest be calculated?
A: The interest subsidy is calculated on the actual interest payable, capped at 12%, based on the animal price or the interest paid by the bank, whichever is less.
Q: Should the land be in the name of the beneficiary?
A: Yes, the land should be owned by a family member or the beneficiary.
Q: How can a beneficiary apply under the scheme?
A: Applications must be submitted online via the I-Khedut Portal following the specified process.
Q: In how many days should the beneficiary confirm the online application?
A: The application must be confirmed within seven days from the date of saving the online application.
Q: Is it mandatory to submit the application to the concerned office or upload it on I-Khedut Portal?
A: The application must be confirmed online and then either submitted to the concerned office with supporting documents or uploaded as a scanned copy after confirmation.
Q: What should I do if wrong/incomplete documents have been uploaded on the Portal?
A: The beneficiary must submit the remaining or correct documents to the concerned office within seven days of application.
Sources and References
• Official Website
• Guideline