Union Minister Rupala Launches Realigned AHIDF Scheme to Boost Livestock Sector

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th Feb. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, on Wednesday inaugurated the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) Scheme and unveiled the Radio Jingle associated with the scheme.

Addressing the audience, Minister Rupala highlighted that the AHIDF Scheme was initiated during the challenging COVID period and has now been realigned for another three years. The scheme, with an enhanced outlay of ₹ 29,610 crore, aims to bolster the livestock sector by providing financial support to industry stakeholders including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Dairy Cooperatives, and private companies.

The realigned scheme integrates the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), offering Dairy Cooperatives an increased interest subvention of 3% and credit guarantee support under the Credit Guarantee Fund of AHIDF. This will enable Dairy Cooperatives to modernize their processing infrastructure, benefiting numerous milk producers across the country.

The inaugural event witnessed the presence of industry associations, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Dairy Cooperatives, FPOs, and officials from North Eastern States. During the interaction, several entities expressed their appreciation for the scheme’s role in infrastructure development. ABIS Export Private Limited pledged to invest ₹ 2000 crore, while Dishala Livelihood Producer Company Limited shared their project in Madhya Pradesh and Amba Feed highlighted their Animal Feed plant in Coimbatore.

Under the realigned scheme, stakeholders can avail benefits such as 3% interest subvention for up to 8 years, credit guarantee cover for up to 25% of the term loan, and no ceiling on the loan amount. The scheme also facilitates online application through the portal www.ahidf.udyamimitra.in for a hassle-free process.

The AHIDF Scheme, launched on 24th June 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Initiative, has garnered significant response nationwide. With over 5000 project proposals received, the scheme has facilitated the creation of substantial infrastructure in the dairy and meat processing sectors, as well as in animal feed plants and veterinary vaccine manufacturing facilities. It has generated around 15 lakh employment opportunities and benefited numerous small and marginal farmers.

The transparent implementation of the scheme is ensured through the dedicated portal www.ahidf.udyamimitra.in, developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), facilitating seamless processing of requests.