The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to support veterinary students and animal farmers, aiming to enhance education, livestock health, and overall productivity in the animal husbandry sector. Here’s an overview of the key schemes available as of 2025:
1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
Launched to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis by 2030, NADCP aims to control FMD by 2025 through comprehensive vaccination drives. The program provides 100% central funding to states and Union Territories for vaccinating livestock, thereby boosting domestic production and export potential of milk and livestock products.
2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
RGM focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds to enhance their genetic makeup and productivity. It includes establishing ‘Gokul Grams’ (integrated cattle development centers) and implementing breed improvement programs, benefiting animal farmers by increasing milk yield and promoting sustainable livestock farming.
3. National Livestock Mission (NLM)
NLM aims to increase per animal productivity and genetic improvement while ensuring the availability of quality feed and fodder. The mission supports breed multiplication farms, providing farmers with improved germplasm to enhance productivity.
4. Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC)
This scheme assists states in controlling economically significant animal diseases through vaccination programs and establishing mobile veterinary units. It also provides compensation to farmers for culling infected animals, ensuring better livestock health management.
5. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
AHIDF, a ₹15,000 crore fund, encourages private sector investment in animal husbandry infrastructure, including dairy plants, meat processing units, and animal feed plants. Eligible beneficiaries include Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), MSMEs, and individual entrepreneurs, facilitating modern infrastructure development in the sector.
6. Gopal Incentive Scheme
Implemented by the Animal Husbandry Department of Madhya Pradesh, this scheme promotes the rearing of high-breed indigenous cattle and increased milk production. It offers rewards to animal breeders and livestock farmers who rear advanced breed cows, encouraging sustainable livestock practices.
7. Gausevak Training (Initial and Refresher)
Also in Madhya Pradesh, this scheme provides training to educated unemployed rural youth, enabling them to offer primary veterinary services in remote areas. Participants receive stipends and essential kits during training, fostering self-employment opportunities and improving veterinary services in underserved regions.
8. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
PM-KISAN is an income support scheme providing ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments to eligible farmers. As of February 24, 2025, over ₹3.46 lakh crore has been disbursed to more than 11 crore farmers, including those engaged in animal husbandry, aiding in their financial stability.
9. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)
Implemented in collaboration with NABARD, DEDS supports dairy infrastructure projects by providing back-ended capital subsidies. Farmers, individual entrepreneurs, and self-help groups can avail subsidies to establish dairy units, enhancing milk production and creating self-employment opportunities.
10. State-Specific Initiatives
- Assam: The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has introduced schemes like the Chief Minister’s Flagship Scheme for Self-sufficiency in Eggs and the Special Programme for Existing Entrepreneurs Development (SPEED) to support poultry and duck farming.
- Haryana: The Department of Animal Husbandry offers various schemes accessible via the SARAL portal, providing streamlined services to farmers and entrepreneurs.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the animal husbandry sector by supporting veterinary education and enhancing the livelihoods of animal farmers across India.
Government Schemes for Veterinary Students
While most schemes focus on livestock and infrastructure, there are also programs that support veterinary students directly or indirectly:
11. ICAR Junior & Senior Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF)
- Offered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for students pursuing M.V.Sc or Ph.D. in veterinary and animal sciences.
- Helps cover tuition and living expenses.
- Selection is through ICAR AIEEA-PG or ICAR SRF entrance exams.
- Encourages young talent to take up veterinary research and academics.
12. National Fellowship for SC/ST Students (by UGC)
- Veterinary students from SC/ST categories pursuing post-graduation or Ph.D. can apply.
- Includes full tuition support, monthly stipend, and contingency grants.
13. State-Specific Merit Scholarships
- States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Punjab offer merit-based scholarships for B.V.Sc and M.V.Sc students enrolled in government veterinary colleges.
- Students should check their state animal husbandry departments or university websites for application details.
How to Apply for These Schemes
Most government schemes are available through these platforms:
| Scheme Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| National schemes (e.g., NADCP, RGM, AHIDF) | Through State Animal Husbandry Departments or DAHD.gov.in |
| Veterinary fellowships (ICAR JRF/SRF) | icar.nta.nic.in |
| Livestock-related subsidies | Myscheme.gov.in or State portals like SARAL, IFMS |
| Student scholarships | University/College Dean’s office or scholarships.gov.in |
Tip: Always keep scanned copies of Aadhaar, caste/income certificate, college ID, and bank details ready before applying.
Final Thoughts
The Indian government is taking serious steps to boost veterinary education and improve the livelihoods of animal farmers. Whether you’re a student pursuing a career in veterinary science or a livestock owner looking to upgrade your business, there are schemes and support systems designed for your growth.
By staying informed and applying on time, you can take full advantage of these opportunities.
FAQs
1. Are there government subsidies for starting a veterinary clinic?
Yes, under schemes like AHIDF, you can get financial support for veterinary-related infrastructure, including clinics and diagnostic labs.
2. Do veterinary students get scholarships in India?
Yes. ICAR offers JRF/SRF fellowships, and states provide merit-based or category-based scholarships to veterinary students.
3. Is there any startup support for animal husbandry in 2025?
Yes. Under Animal Husbandry Startup Grand Challenge (by DAHD and Startup India), innovations in veterinary tech, nutrition, or dairy are funded and mentored.
4. Can farmers get free vaccines for their livestock?
Yes, under NADCP and Livestock Health & Disease Control (LHDC) programs, free vaccination drives are regularly conducted by government departments.
