Complete guide on government schemes for goat farming in India including subsidy details, NABARD goat farming scheme, loan process, insurance schemes, and step-by-step application process.
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Government Schemes & Support for Goat Farming in India
Goat farming is no longer treated as a marginal activity in India. It is now officially recognized as a viable rural enterprise, capable of generating stable income, employment, and nutritional security. This shift is reflected clearly in the government schemes, subsidies, loans, and insurance support available for goat farmers.
However, most farmers fail to benefit from these schemes—not because schemes don’t exist, but because information is fragmented, confusing, and poorly explained.
This guide simplifies everything:
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Goat farming subsidy in India
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Goat farming loan process
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NABARD goat farming scheme
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Goat insurance scheme
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Step-by-step process to apply for subsidy
No jargon. No assumptions. Just clarity.
Why Government Support for Goat Farming Exists
Goat farming aligns perfectly with national priorities:
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Livelihood generation for small and marginal farmers
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Employment for rural youth and women
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Low investment, high resilience livestock model
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Protein and nutrition security
Because of this, goat farming is supported under animal husbandry, rural development, and entrepreneurship schemes at both central and state levels.
Goat Farming Subsidy in India (Overview)
There is no single “one-size-fits-all” goat subsidy scheme. Subsidies are provided through multiple government programs, mostly implemented via:
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State Animal Husbandry Departments
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NABARD-linked schemes
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Rural development missions
Subsidy is usually provided as back-ended capital subsidy, meaning:
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You invest first (often through a bank loan)
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Government releases subsidy after verification
Central Government Schemes Supporting Goat Farming
Several central schemes indirectly support goat farming.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
The National Livestock Mission is one of the most important schemes for goat farmers. It focuses on:
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Breed improvement
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Feed and fodder development
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Entrepreneurship support
Under NLM, goat farming projects are eligible for capital subsidy, especially for:
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Breeding units
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Commercial goat farms
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Entrepreneur-led livestock projects
Subsidy percentage varies by category and state implementation.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
RKVY supports livestock development through state-led projects. Many states include goat farming under:
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Livestock entrepreneurship
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Rural income enhancement programs
Support may include:
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Financial assistance
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Infrastructure support
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Training and skill development
State Government Goat Farming Subsidy Schemes
Most actual subsidies come from state governments.
Each state designs its own goat farming schemes based on:
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Local breed availability
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Rural employment needs
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Budget allocation
Common beneficiaries:
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Small farmers
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Marginal farmers
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Women entrepreneurs
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Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe categories
Subsidy ranges typically from 25% to 50% of project cost, depending on category and scheme.
NABARD Goat Farming Scheme (Explained Clearly)
NABARD does not directly give subsidy to farmers. Its role is policy support and refinance.
What NABARD Actually Does
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Provides model project reports
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Refinances banks for livestock loans
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Supports subsidy-linked schemes
Banks use NABARD guidelines to:
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Approve goat farming loans
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Design project cost structure
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Link subsidy components
So when people say “NABARD Goat Farming Scheme,” they usually mean:
Goat farming loan + subsidy structured as per NABARD norms
NABARD Model Project for Goat Farming
NABARD provides standardized project cost estimates based on:
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Number of goats
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Breed type
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Housing and feed costs
Banks rely heavily on these models during loan approval.
Goat Farming Loan Process (Step-by-Step)
Goat farming loans are available from:
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Nationalized banks
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Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
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Cooperative banks
Step 1: Prepare a Goat Farming Project Report
Your project report should include:
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Number of goats and breed
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Housing details
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Feed management plan
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Estimated cost
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Expected income
A strong project report increases approval chances dramatically.
Step 2: Visit the Bank
Submit:
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Project report
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Identity proof
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Land or shed details
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Quotation (if required)
The bank evaluates:
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Viability of project
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Repayment capacity
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Eligibility for subsidy
Step 3: Loan Sanction
Once approved:
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Loan amount is sanctioned
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Subsidy component is earmarked
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Disbursement is often done in stages
Step 4: Subsidy Release
After:
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Physical verification
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Purchase of animals
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Farm setup
The subsidy amount is adjusted against the loan.
Eligibility Criteria for Goat Farming Loan & Subsidy
Though criteria vary by scheme, common requirements include:
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Indian citizen
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Minimum age 18 years
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Basic experience or training preferred
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Land ownership or lease proof (in many cases)
Priority is often given to:
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Women
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SC/ST beneficiaries
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Rural youth
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Self-help group members
Goat Insurance Scheme (Risk Protection)
Insurance is a critical but ignored component of goat farming.
Why Goat Insurance Is Important
Goat farming risks include:
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Disease outbreaks
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Accidental death
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Natural calamities
Insurance protects both:
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Farmer investment
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Bank loan security
Government-Supported Goat Insurance
Many states offer subsidized livestock insurance, where:
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Government pays part of the premium
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Farmer pays a reduced amount
Coverage generally includes:
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Death due to disease
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Accident
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Natural causes
Insurance is often mandatory for loan-linked projects.
How to Apply for Goat Farming Subsidy (Practical Guide)
This is where most farmers get stuck. Here’s the real process.
Step 1: Contact Animal Husbandry Department
Visit your:
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District Animal Husbandry Office
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Veterinary hospital
Ask specifically about:
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Current goat farming schemes
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Eligibility criteria
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Application timelines
Step 2: Register Under the Scheme
You may need to:
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Fill application form
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Submit documents
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Attend training (in some schemes)
Step 3: Bank Loan Linkage
Most subsidies are released only after:
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Bank loan approval
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Project implementation
The department coordinates with banks for verification.
Step 4: Physical Verification
Officials may verify:
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Goat purchase
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Housing setup
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Compliance with scheme rules
Step 5: Subsidy Disbursement
Subsidy is usually:
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Credited to loan account
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Adjusted against principal
Direct cash payment to farmer is rare.
Common Mistakes Farmers Make
Avoid these errors:
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Assuming subsidy is free cash
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Starting farm before approval
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Buying animals without verification
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Poor documentation
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Incomplete project reports
Government schemes reward discipline and compliance, not shortcuts.
Is Government Support Enough to Make Goat Farming Profitable?
Government support reduces risk, but profit still depends on:
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Management practices
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Feed cost control
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Animal health
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Market access
Subsidy helps you start safer, not succeed automatically.
Who Should Actively Use Government Schemes?
These schemes are ideal for:
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First-time goat farmers
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Small & marginal farmers
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Women entrepreneurs
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Rural youth seeking self-employment
Commercial farmers can also benefit, but paperwork discipline is essential.
Future of Government Support in Goat Farming
Government focus is shifting toward:
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Entrepreneurship-based livestock farming
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Organized goat rearing
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Breed improvement
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Risk mitigation through insurance
This means well-documented, scalable goat farms will get more support in coming years.
Final Thoughts
Government schemes and institutional support have turned goat farming into a structured business opportunity, not just a traditional practice.
If you understand:
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Subsidy structure
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Loan process
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NABARD framework
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Insurance protection
You gain a massive strategic advantage over uninformed farmers.
Use government support as a launchpad, not a crutch. Combine it with good management, and goat farming becomes a stable, long-term income system.
