scheme for the establishment of a dairy farm with 12 milking animals, promoting self-employment through animal rearing business.

To promote animal rearing as a viable business opportunity at the village level, with the aim of generating self-employment and discouraging urbanization, the Government of Gujarat initiated a scheme in the year 2018-19. This scheme provides aid for establishing dairy farms with 12 milking animals. The scheme comprised three compulsory components: the construction of a cattle shed (600 square feet), the purchase of 12 milking animals, and payment of the insurance premium. For these components, the scheme provided a subsidy of Rs. 1.50 lakh for cattle shed construction, covering half of the total investment of Rs. 3.0 lakh. Additionally, there was an 8.5% loan interest subsidy for a period of five years on loans taken, and a subsidy of Rs. 43,200 was available for insurance premium payments. Furthermore, in the optional components, subsidies were available as follows: Rs. 18,000 for a chaff cutter, Rs. 33,750 for a milking machine, and Rs. 9,000 for a fogger system. In the first year, approximately Rs. 3,06,350 in subsidies were earmarked for Scheduled Castes and women beneficiaries per unit. During the year this scheme aimed to install 16 units in Surat district and Tapi district. And the following work has been carried out under the scheme.

INTEGRATED DAIRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (IDDP):

A scheme, approved by the Tribal Development Department of the Government, operates within the catchment area of Sumul Dairy to provide assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and tribal beneficiaries for the purchase of milching animals and the establishment of infrastructural facilities in a phased manner. To date, a total of 24,679 milching animals have been distributed through the organization of 'Animal Fairs' in the vicinity. Under this scheme, subsidies totaling Rs. 72.63 crore have been disbursed in Surat and Tapi districts.

In the current year, a total of 2031 milching animals were distributed as part of this scheme, including tribal beneficiaries who were supported in entering the milk production business with a subsidy of Rs. 913.95 lakh. Each unit received an assistance of Rs. 45,000, which covered animal insurance premiums for three years, Sumul Dan, and training expenses in the form of subsidies."

Co-operative Development & Internal Consultant Development Program (CD / ICD)

A total of 155 days of business development tour program of 152 milk societies and 8105 milk producers have been successfully completed during the year.

Various programs have been implemented with the support of the Union and Federation, Anand, to provide professional guidance at the association level and to further develop the milk business at the society level. Details are mentioned in the table below.

UNDER PROGRESSIVE ENTERPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME A STEP TOWARDS COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMING:

To achieve success in any business, it is essential to have foundational training. In our region, milk producers are involved in this business by raising a substantial number of milching animals. To make dairy husbandry a profitable venture, it's crucial to leverage the experiences of successful milk producers and incorporate technical guidance from experts to maintain scientific standards. By encouraging these milk producers to expand their businesses and become role models for others, a five-day intensive training program has been designed. This program includes a comprehensive technical manual and, for a more practical understanding, visits to large and successful dairy farms in other districts have been given top priority by the Union.

In our area, there are 382 milk producers who supply more than 50 liters of milk are included in this program. Each month, experts from our union offer on-site farm consultancy during their visits to these farms to improve the profitability of animal husbandry businesses. We are moving forward with a clear vision, intending to include more such milk producers in the coming years, with the potential to double their income.