**Executive Summary**
This is a response to Unstarred Question No. 276 in Lok Sabha regarding fodder projects in Rajasthan, scheduled to be answered on December 2, 2025. It addresses the approval status of fodder-related projects under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) in Rajasthan, reasons for low project uptake, and government plans for fodder development in arid districts. The response clarifies that one project was approved and a subsidy disbursed, and outlines the central government's initiatives to improve fodder production.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Status:**
* Under NLM-EDP, only one fodder-related project has been approved for Rajasthan by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
* One installment of subsidy amounting to Rs. 23.205 Lakh has been disbursed for this project.
* 49 applications were received for fodder development under NLM, but the State Government of Rajasthan forwarded only one application until June 3, 2025.
* The Entrepreneurship programme is demand-driven, based on the applicant's financial and technical capability.
* **Fodder Development Initiatives:**
* The State Government is responsible for meeting the demand for feed and fodder for their livestock population.
* The Central Government implements the Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Livestock Mission with a Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development, operational since 2014-15.
* **Sub-Mission Components:**
* Assistance for Quality Fodder Seed Production.
* Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder.
* Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown).
* Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land” and "Fodder Production from Forest Land.
* **State Government Involvement:**
* The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has requested all State Governments, including Rajasthan, to establish a fodder task force.
* The purpose of the fodder task force is to increase fodder cultivation areas and convergence of other schemes of the States and Central Government.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: State Government of Rajasthan**
* **Impact:** Increased responsibility for meeting fodder demand; participation in Central Government schemes; required to establish a fodder task force.
* **Action Required:** Prioritize fodder and feed development; forward applications for fodder projects; establish a fodder task force to improve fodder cultivation.
**Stakeholder: Entrepreneurs**
* **Impact:** Opportunities to participate in fodder-related activities through NLM-EDP and the Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development.
* **Action Required:** Assess financial and technical capability; prepare and submit project applications for fodder production and processing.
**Stakeholder: Livestock Population in Rajasthan**
* **Impact:** Potential for increased fodder availability and improved feed quality through government initiatives and private enterprises.
* **Action Required:** No direct action, but will benefit from increased fodder production and availability.
Key Entities Referenced
National Livestock Mission (NLM): A Central Government scheme to promote livestock development, including fodder production.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying: The primary department responsible for overseeing fodder projects and livestock development initiatives.
Rajasthan: The state to which the specific fodder projects in question are applicable.
National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP): A sub-programme of the National Livestock Mission focusing on promoting entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 276
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02nd DECEMBER, 2025
FODDER PROJECTS IN RAJASTHAN
276. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:
Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is true that only one fodder related project was approved for Rajasthan under the
National Livestock Mission (NLM) and no funds have been disbursed for the same;
(b) if so, the reasons for such low project uptake despite the State’s chronic fodder shortage;
and
(c) whether the Government proposes to prioritize fodder and feed development in arid districts
such as Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer through special packages or demonstration projects?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)
(a) and (b) Yes Sir under National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development
Programme (NLM-EDP) only one fodder-related project is approved by the Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India for Rajasthan and one instalment of
subsidy amounting Rs.23.205 Lakh has been disbursed. As per the information available in the
National Livestock Mission Portal, there are 49 applications received under the category of
fodder development. However, the State Government of Rajasthan has forwarded one
application till 3rd June, 2025 when the last Project Approval Committee meeting for approval
of new projects was held. The Entrepreneurship programme is demand driven programme. The
Demand depends on the financial and technical capability of the applicant.
(c) The State Government is responsible for meeting demand for feed and fodder for their
livestock population. The Central Government is taking various initiatives for fodder
development in the country. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Government and
Union Territories, the Union Government is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme
National Livestock Mission with a Sub Mission on Feed and Fodder Development. The
Scheme is operational all over the country since 2014-15. The Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder
Development is having following components:
(i) Assistance for Quality Fodder Seed Production
(ii) Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder
(iii) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure
(processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown)
(iv) Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land” and
“Fodder Production from Forest LandFurther, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has requested all the State
Governments to establish fodder task force including Rajasthan to increase the fodder
cultivation areas and convergence of other schemes of the States and Central Government.
These efforts will increase the fodder availability in the respective states including the
Rajasthan.
***