National Livestock Mission (NLM)

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is a Central Sector scheme launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India in the financial year 2014-15. It aims to address core challenges in India’s livestock sector such as low productivity, poor genetic quality of animals, inadequate feed and fodder supply and lack of entrepreneurial growth among livestock-keepers. Through the scheme, the government seeks to support farmers (especially small and marginal livestock-keepers), self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and entrepreneurs by offering financial incentives, capacity building and infrastructure support. There are three key focus areas: breed improvement of poultry, sheep, goat and pigs; feed and fodder development; and research, innovation and extension. The policy-need behind NLM stems from the fact that livestock contribute significantly to rural livelihoods and the agriculture-ecosystem in India, yet many farmers lack access to improved breeds, quality feed, modern practices and market linkages. The scheme therefore works to strengthen the livestock-value-chain, enhance incomes and ensure sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.

Overview of the Scheme

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is a scheme of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. It is implemented across India and was launched in the financial year 2014-15.
The NLM is managed centrally but works through State Animal Husbandry or Livestock Departments, designated State Implementing Agencies, and in some cases through banks or financial institutions acting as fund-channelising agencies.

Key aspects at a glance:

• Implementing agencies: State line-departments of Animal Husbandry, DAHD at centre; for entrepreneurship programmes the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) acts as a fund-channeling agency.
  
  
• Funding pattern: The scheme includes both Central Sector (100% central funding) and Centrally Sponsored components (shared between Centre and States). For example, some sub-missions carry 100% central assistance; others follow patterns like 60:40 (Centre:State) for most States, 90:10 for North-Eastern/Himalayan States.
  
  
• Coverage / sectors/components of the NLM include:
  • Breed development of livestock & poultry (poultry, sheep, goat, pig)
  • Feed & fodder development (fodder seed chain, silage units, hay bailing)
  • Innovation & extension, research and development, livestock insurance and other linkages.
    
    
• Current status: The mission is ongoing. The guidelines were revised and realigned starting from FY 2021-22 and further updated in January 2025.

For example: a poultry entrepreneur may receive a 50 % capital subsidy (as per scheme norms) for setting up a hatchery under the breed-development component, with the subsidy managed via SIDBI and the bank. This is part of the NLM’s entrepreneurship focus. 

Objectives 

The purpose of the mission is to empower livestock-keepers and strengthen the livestock sector through multiple focused goals.

• Increase employment generation by supporting entrepreneurship in poultry, piggery, sheep/goat farming and fodder units.
• Improve per-animal productivity through breed improvement and better feeding practices.
• Raise the production of meat, eggs, wool, goat milk and fodder in sustainable ways.
• Strengthen the supply of quality feed and fodder by building the seed chain and encouraging fodder processing units.
• Promote risk-management for livestock-keepers by supporting livestock insurance schemes.
• Build capacity and skills of livestock owners, entrepreneurs and state functionaries through training, technology transfer and extension services.
• Support applied research, innovation and extension in key areas like poultry, goats, sheep, feed and fodder. 

Key Features / Benefits 

The scheme offers a variety of supports for livestock-keepers and entrepreneurs, with the aim of boosting productivity, building businesses and making the sector more sustainable.

• Capital subsidy on breeding units
  Provides a capital subsidy of up to 50% for setting up poultry, sheep/goat, piggery, camel, horse and donkey breeding units. (Example: A poultry entrepreneur setting up a 1,000 parent flock unit may get up to ₹ 25 lakh subsidy.)
  
  
• Subsidy ceilings by sector
  Different ceilings apply by type: up to ₹ 25 lakh for poultry, up to ₹ 50 lakh for sheep/goat units, up to ₹ 30 lakh for piggery, up to ₹ 50 lakh for fodder/seed units.
  
  
• Support for feed and fodder infrastructure
  Encourages setting up silage-making, hay-bailing, fodder block and storage units by offering subsidy.
  
  
• Promotion of livestock insurance and risk management
  Helps farmers by supporting livestock-insurance cover or similar risk-reduction measures so losses from death or disease are better managed.
  
  
• Encouragement of research, extension and innovation
  Funds applied research, extension services and innovation in the livestock sector (small ruminants, poultry, feed & fodder) so that new techniques reach farmers.
  
  
• Inclusive beneficiaries: SHGs/FPOs/Entrepreneurs
  Subsidy and support are available not only to individual farmers, but also to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), companies registered under Section 8, and cooperatives.
  
  
• Projects to act as hubs for surrounding farmers
  Encourages a “hub-and-spoke” model where an entrepreneur sets up the main unit and smaller farmers around it can benefit from its output or services.

Eligibility Criteria 

Who can apply

Farmers (individuals):

• Individuals who keep livestock or run small livestock/fodder enterprises are eligible. The guidelines allow farmers, including small/marginal ones and landless livestock keepers, to apply.
• They must have proof of identity (like Aadhaar) and bank account / KYC details.
• Not eligible: Land or lease cost, personal vehicles, working capital are excluded for subsidy cases.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) / Joint Liability Groups (JLGs):

• Registered SHGs/JLGs focusing on livestock/fodder business may apply.
• They must have valid bank linkage and KYC for group members.

Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs):

• FPOs registered under the relevant law, active in livestock/fodder value-chain, can apply.
• They should show past operation or capacity to implement the project.

Entrepreneurs / Start-ups / MSMEs:

• Individuals, companies (including Section 8), SHGs, JLGs, FPOs are eligible when they have:
  • Advance training or technical expertise in the field.
  • Approved bank-loan sanction or, in self-finance mode, a bank guarantee.
  • Own or leased land where the project will be executed.
    
    
• Not eligible: Projects for working capital, purchase of land/lease, personal vehicle or office accommodation.

Special categories (Women / SC/ST / NE & Hill areas):

• The official guidelines do not lay out separate eligibility for women or SC/ST in all components, though priority may be given in selection.

Documents required

Typical documents include Aadhaar (identity proof), bank passbook/KYC, training certificate or experience proof (for entrepreneurs), land-owning or lease proof, bank loan sanction or bank guarantee (for entrepreneur mode).

Application Process

1. Go to the official portal: https://www.nlm.udyamimitra.in (NLM Portal) and click “Pre-Application / Online Application Form”.
2. Register or log in: create an account using Aadhaar, mobile number and email, then set login credentials.
3. Fill in the application form: provide beneficiary details (name, category, Aadhaar), land/farm details, select component (breed/ fodder/entrepreneurship), and enter bank information.
4. Upload required documents: identity proof (Aadhaar), address proof, caste certificate (if applicable), land records or lease agreement, bank passbook/IFSC, project report (DPR), training certificate/experience proof, loan sanction letter or bank guarantee.
5. Submit the form: no fee is mentioned in the official guideline.
6. You will get an acknowledgement / application ID on the portal.
7. Verification & field inspection: the State Implementing Agency (SIA) screens the application; a field inspection may follow before approval.
8. Approval & assistance release: upon approval by SLEC and the central ministry, subsidy is released via direct benefit transfer or through the bank channel.
9. Offline route: If online submission is difficult, visit your nearest State Animal Husbandry Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Block Office. They will help you fill out the form, upload required documents and forward to SIA.
10. Helpline: For queries use the contact details on the portal or state Animal Husbandry department helpline (check your state’s website for numbers).

Tips:

• Ensure your name and Aadhaar match exactly on all documents.
• Upload clear, legible scans of all documents (land/lease, bank).
• Choose the correct component under NLM (breed, fodder, entrepreneurship) so your application is processed correctly.
• Check status regularly on the portal and respond promptly to any queries from SIA.

Challenges or Limitations 

While the National Livestock Mission (NLM) has improved livestock support across India, some practical challenges still affect applicants. Below are common issues and simple ways to manage them:

• Complex documentation → Keep Aadhaar, land records, and bank details updated before applying to avoid rejection.
  
  
• Delay in verification → Track your application regularly on the NLM portal and stay in contact with the local Animal Husbandry Office.
  
  
• Limited budget availability → Apply early in the financial year, as approvals often depend on available funds.
  
  
• Incomplete DPRs (Project Reports) → Seek guidance from KVKs or District Veterinary Officers to prepare accurate project details.
  
  
• Portal or technical errors → Save each step before submission and retry during non-peak hours.
  
  
• Mismatch in name or bank data → Ensure all uploaded documents use the same name and spelling.
  
  
• Seasonal project timing → Plan fodder or breeding projects well before monsoon or winter cycles.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) works in coordination with other national agriculture programmes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and ATMA for training and extension. This convergence helps farmers link livestock units with feed, processing, and marketing support.

For example, an FPO receiving breed-unit support under NLM can access PMFME funds to process meat or dairy locally. The mission was revamped in 2021–22 to align with the new Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, ensuring stronger credit and subsidy flow for entrepreneurs in the coming years.

Conclusion 

The National Livestock Mission (NLM) plays a key role in improving livestock productivity, creating rural jobs, and supporting small farmers, FPOs, and entrepreneurs through financial aid and training. It helps strengthen the livestock value chain by promoting better breeds, feed, and infrastructure. Those interested should check their eligibility and apply online through the official portal https://nlm.udyamimitra.in or visit their local Animal Husbandry office for guidance. Always verify the latest benefits and updates on the official site or helpline before applying. Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002628.