The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the rural economy.
It supports farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and entrepreneurs by offering financial assistance, technical training, and infrastructure development for livestock farming. ππ
National Livestock Mission: A Full Guide

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) was launched by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the livestock sector. Livestock contributes over 25% of the total agricultural GDP in India, making it a key driver of rural employment and economic stability. π‘π°
This mission encourages scientific breeding, fodder production, and disease control while ensuring farmers have access to subsidized loans, grants, and modern livestock farming techniques. The NLM promotes poultry farming, goat farming, cow rearing, pig farming, and other livestock-related businesses to enhance farmersβ incomes. πΎπ
Through its focus on self-employment, sustainable practices, rural finance, and livestock insurance, the NLM is transforming the livestock sector and supporting Indiaβs vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). β¨
National Livestock Mission Scheme
The NLM Scheme is structured into four sub-missions, each focusing on different aspects of livestock development: π
1οΈβ£ Livestock Development β Improving breeding, productivity, and disease control π₯π
2οΈβ£ Fodder & Feed Development β Ensuring quality nutrition for animals πΎπ
3οΈβ£ Entrepreneurship Development & Innovation β Supporting startups & MSMEs in the livestock sector πΌπ
4οΈβ£ Skill Development, Extension, and Training β Enhancing knowledge through modern techniques ππ¨βπ«
Objectives of the National Livestock Mission
βοΈ Increase livestock productivity through improved breeding and healthcare π₯
βοΈ Promote entrepreneurship by providing financial aid & training π
βοΈ Enhance fodder availability to meet the growing demand π±
βοΈ Encourage scientific methods in livestock farming ππ¬
βοΈ Generate employment in rural areas through livestock-based businesses π‘
βοΈ Reduce import dependency by boosting domestic meat, dairy, and poultry production
βοΈ Expand financial inclusion by integrating livestock insurance and banking services π
National Livestock Mission Training

The NLM training programs are designed to equip farmers and entrepreneurs with modern livestock farming techniques, disease control measures, and financial literacy. ππ
π Hands-on workshops on animal care, feeding, and breeding πΎ
π Entrepreneurship training for small-scale and commercial livestock businesses πΌ
π Government-certified courses conducted by agricultural universities and training institutes ποΈ
Eligibility for National Livestock Mission
To apply for benefits under NLM, applicants must meet the following criteria: β
- Farmers, SHGs, FPOs, startups, and MSMEs are eligible π‘π°
- Applicants must have land or infrastructure for livestock farming ποΈ
- Must submit a viable business plan for funding approval π
- Compliance with local livestock farming regulations ποΈ
National Livestock Mission Loan
The government offers subsidized loans under NLM to encourage livestock farming. Key highlights:
π Loan Amount: Up to βΉ25 lakh for small enterprises & βΉ2 crore for large projects
π Subsidy: 25-50% subsidy based on category & location
π Interest Rates: Lower than regular business loans
π Processing: Available through NABARD, cooperative banks & financial institutions
National Livestock Mission in Various States

π Assam ποΈ
- Special focus on poultry farming, pig farming, and goat rearing
- Financial aid for tribal farmers & SHGs
- Support for indigenous livestock breeds ππ
π Rajasthan π΅
- Promoting camel, sheep, and goat farming
- Government-backed loan subsidies & fodder supply
- Support for drought-prone livestock farming πͺ
π Uttar Pradesh π‘
- Dairy farming subsidies & interest-free loans π₯π
- Special focus on buffalo rearing and poultry farming
- Digital application process for loan schemes π²
π Karnataka π±
- Promotion of indigenous cattle breeds and pig farming
- Interest-free loans for rural dairy farming π¦
- Extensive fodder cultivation support π
π Nagaland ποΈ
- Focus on piggery, poultry, and cattle farming ππ
- Support for small-scale livestock entrepreneurs
- Training programs for rural youth π¨βπ«
π Maharashtra πΎ
- Boosting poultry, dairy, and goat farming
- NABARD-backed livestock financing
- Government schemes for rural women entrepreneurs π©βπΎ
National Livestock Mission Online Application
Farmers and businesses can apply online for financial assistance, subsidies, and training programs. π₯οΈ
π Visit the official NLM portal to begin the application ποΈ
π Choose your scheme (Dairy, Poultry, Goat Farming, etc.) π
π Upload necessary documents (Aadhar, Bank details, Farm ownership proof) π
π Track application status and receive updates on approval π¦
National Livestock Mission Registration
To benefit from loans, subsidies, and training under NLM, applicants must register with the government. π
π Step 1: Visit the official Animal Husbandry Department website π₯οΈ
π Step 2: Fill in personal & farm details π
π Step 3: Submit required documents (ID proof, land papers, business plan) π‘
π Step 4: Receive an approval confirmation and start the funding process β
National Livestock Mission Subsidy

π Poultry & Goat Farming: 25-50% subsidy ππ
π Dairy Farming: 40% subsidy on infrastructure development π₯
π Fodder Development: 50% subsidy for grassland & fodder cultivation π±
π Pig Farming: Special financial support for farmers raising pigs π
π MSMEs & Startups: Special incentives under NLM
National Rural Livestock Mission
A specialized initiative under NLM focused on rural employment, self-sufficiency, and livestock welfare in tribal and backward regions. ποΈ
- Encourages integrated livestock farming models for enhanced productivity π
- Provides technical support, veterinary services, and disease control programs to farmers π₯
- Strengthens rural infrastructure for livestock markets, processing units, and supply chains π
- Enhances rural credit access and microfinance options for small-scale farmers π°
The Future of Livestock Farming
The National Livestock Mission is a game-changer for rural India. By promoting modern livestock farming, financial inclusion, and rural entrepreneurship, the mission is paving the way for sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
With subsidized loans, government support, livestock insurance, and technological advancements, farmers now have the opportunity to expand their businesses and contribute to India’s self-reliant economy. π±π‘
FAQs
What is the National Livestock Mission (NLM)?
The NLM is a government initiative that helps farmers by providing financial support, training, and subsidies for livestock farming like dairy, poultry, goat, and pig farming.
How can farmers apply for financial aid under NLM?
Farmers can apply online through the official Animal Husbandry Department portal or visit their nearest cooperative bank or NABARD office to submit documents and get loans.
What subsidies are available under the National Livestock Mission?
The government offers 25-50% subsidies on poultry, goat, and dairy farming, fodder production, and infrastructure development for livestock entrepreneurs.
Which states are actively implementing the National Livestock Mission?
Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Maharashtra have strong NLM programs, offering subsidies, training, and financial support for livestock farmers.

Nishank is a social impact enthusiast with a solid foundation in public policy, micro-enterprise, and agribusiness. Growing up in a farmer’s family has given him a profound connection to rural communities, fueling his passion to empower people towards self-reliance. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Delhi University and earned a master’s degree in Rural Management from National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in Hyderabad.