**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the dairy farming sector in Kerala. The Member of Parliament, Adv Dean Kuriakose, inquired about the crisis facing dairy farmers, the number of farmers unable to repay loans, and potential financial support from the government.
The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, responded that the government is aware of the situation and is addressing it through nationwide programs, Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) and National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), which are also being implemented in Kerala. Over the past five years, Rs. 167.33 crore has been released to Kerala under these schemes to promote dairy farming. The implementation of these schemes has led to an increase in average productivity of cattle and buffaloes from 8.31 kg per animal per day in 2014-15 to 10.31 kg per animal per day in 2023-24, representing a 24.07% increase.
Regarding loan defaults, the State Government of Kerala does not maintain specific data on the number of dairy farmers who have defaulted on loan repayments. However, the Department of Dairy Development, Government of Kerala, is implementing a Bank Interest Subvention Scheme, which provides 100% interest subvention for loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh availed for dairy farming purposes. Additionally, the Government of India has extended the Kissan Credit Card (KCC) facility to animal husbandry farmers in Kerala, with 1,28,361 fresh KCCs issued to date.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: The Indian government ministry responsible for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying.
Kerala: A state in India where the dairy farming sector is facing a crisis, according to the document.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): A Government of India scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines and to promote dairy farming.
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): A Government of India scheme implemented across the country including Kerala, to promote dairy farming.
Kissan Credit Card (KCC): A credit facility extended to Animal Husbandry farmers for their working capital requirements.
Department of Dairy Development, Government of Kerala: The department responsible for implementing the Bank Interest Subvention Scheme in Kerala.
Bank Interest Subvention Scheme: A scheme implemented by the Department of Dairy Development, Government of Kerala, providing interest subvention for loans availed for dairy farming purposes.
S. P. Singh Baghel: The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 353
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22ND JULY, 2025
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO DAIRY FARMERS IN KERALA
353. ADV DEAN KURIAKOSE:
Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the dairy farming sector is going through a crisis in
Kerala and requires urgent financial support;
(b) the total number of dairy farmers in Kerala who have taken loans to expand the dairy farms
but have not been able to repay, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any plans to sanction a financial package to revive the dairy
farming ecosystem in Kerala; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND
DAIRYING
(PROF. S. P. SINGH BAGHEL)
(a), (c) and (d) In order to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines and to promote
dairy farming Government of India is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) and National
Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) across the country including Kerala. Under the
schemes, an amount of Rs.167.33 crore has been released to the State over the last five years for
promotion of dairy farming sector. With the implementation of scheme average productivity of
cattle and buffaloes has increased from 8.31 kg per animal / day during 2014-15 to 10.31 kg per
animal per day during 2023-24 that is by 24.07%. The benefit of the scheme in terms of increase
in productivity is accruing to all farmers of the State.
(b) As informed by the State Government of Kerala, at present the State does not maintain data
on the total number of dairy farmers who have taken loans for dairy farm expansion or those who
have defaulted on repayment. However, for the past three years, the Department of Dairy
Development, Government of Kerala, is implementing a Bank Interest Subvention Scheme, under
which 100% interest subvention is provided for loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh availed for dairy farming
purposes. Further, Government of India has also extended Kissan Credit Card (KCC) facility to
Animal Husbandry farmers for their working capital requirements and so far 1,28,361 fresh KCC
were issued for AHD farmers in Kerala.
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