The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major step to boost the livestock sector and enhance milk productivity in the state. Under this new initiative, cow breeders and dairy farmers will receive financial assistance in the form of unsecured loans for rearing cows. The move is expected to benefit farmers, strengthen milk production, and promote self-sufficiency in the dairy sector. The government has instructed banks to provide loans without collateral to individuals involved in cow rearing. As a result, banks in Uttar Pradesh will now offer loans up to Rs 10 lakh for rearing 2 to 10 cows under a newly launched scheme called Amritdhara Yojana. The scheme derives its name from the belief that cow milk and ghee hold nutritional and medicinal value comparable to nectar.
The scheme has been developed under the guidance of the Uttar Pradesh Gau Seva Commission, which plays a vital role in cow protection and welfare. During a crucial meeting in Lucknow, Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta emphasized that Amritdhara Yojana will help enhance milk production, promote cow protection, and improve farmers’ financial stability. The scheme is modeled on the Central Government’s Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme, ensuring that farmers get access to financial aid for establishing milk processing plants and chilling centers.
Loan Facilities Under Amritdhara Yojana
- Loan Amount: Up to Rs 10 lakh for rearing 2 to 10 cows.
- Unsecured Loan: Up to Rs 3 lakh without the need for collateral.
- Direct Bank Payment: The loan amount will be directly credited to the accounts of farmers.
- Insurance Cover: Farmers will receive insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakh under the scheme.
UCO Bank has become the first bank to launch Amritdhara Yojana in Uttar Pradesh. Ashutosh Singh, Zonal Manager of UCO Bank, stated that this initiative is aimed at improving the financial condition of farmers and cattle rearers. The scheme is designed to provide financial support for setting up cow sheds and dairy farms, ensuring better income opportunities for rural households.
The Uttar Pradesh government is taking a significant step toward empowering women in the dairy sector through the Amritdhara Yojana. This initiative aims to encourage women’s participation by supporting self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in dairy-related activities. Women entrepreneurs will receive assistance in selling organic products such as milk, curd, ghee, and vegetables, thereby creating new economic opportunities. Additionally, a proposal has been made to distribute organic prasad in major temples, which will help establish a market for organic dairy products and boost their demand.
As Uttar Pradesh is a leading dairy-producing state, the implementation of Amritdhara Yojana is expected to bring transformative changes. The scheme aims to improve milk productivity, making the state self-sufficient in dairy production. It will also provide farmers with easier access to credit, helping them enhance their income. By promoting organic dairy farming, the initiative will improve the quality of dairy products while supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, it will strengthen the rural economy by encouraging women entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers to expand their businesses.
This decision by the Uttar Pradesh government is a crucial step toward sustainable dairy farming and economic empowerment. By focusing on organic dairy production and women’s involvement, the scheme not only ensures better livelihoods for farmers and livestock owners but also promotes a healthier and more environmentally friendly dairy industry.
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