**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2649 regarding the "National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme," answered on December 16th, 2025. It clarifies that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has no proposal to launch such a scheme. Instead, they are implementing the National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme:**
* The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has no proposal to launch a "National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme."
* **National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP):**
* DAHD is implementing NLM-EDP, a key component providing 50% capital subsidy for rural poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, camels, horses, and donkey farms.
* It supports fodder value-addition units (hay, silage, Total Mixed Ration (TMR), fodder blocks) and units for processing, grading, and storing fodder seeds.
* Ceiling for various components ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
* **Eligible Entities:**
* Individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs), and Section 8 companies are eligible.
* **Digitization and Approvals:**
* The scheme is end-to-end digitized.
* 3843 projects have been approved with a total project cost of ₹2672.45 Crore and a subsidy of ₹1233.69 Crore.
* **Implementation and Beneficiaries:**
* State Governments act as State Implementing Agencies for processing, verification, and onward submission of proposals.
* The scheme enables start-ups to benefit subject to compliance with scheme guidelines.
* As of date, 3784 individual beneficiaries have been assisted.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Youth engaged in animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries sector**
* **Impact:** They will not benefit from a new "National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme" but can still benefit from the existing National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP).
* **Action Required:** Explore NLM-EDP guidelines and eligibility criteria to apply for benefits under the existing scheme.
**Stakeholder: Start-ups in the animal husbandry and dairying sector**
* **Impact:** Able to avail benefits under the NLM-EDP scheme, subject to compliance with guidelines.
* **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with NLM-EDP scheme guidelines to avail of benefits.
**Stakeholder: State Governments**
* **Impact:** They act as State Implementing Agencies for NLM-EDP.
* **Action Required:** Process, verify, and forward proposals submitted by entrepreneurs under NLM-EDP.
Key Entities Referenced
National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP): A scheme implemented by DAHD providing capital subsidy for animal husbandry and supporting fodder-related units.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD): The primary department responsible for implementing the National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme: A proposed scheme for youth engagement in the animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sector; ultimately not launched.
State Governments: Working as State Implementing Agencies for processing under NLM-EDP.
O.I.H
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2649
TO BE ANSWERED ON 16th DECEMBER, 2025
NATIONAL AGRI-ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME
2649. SHRI IMRAN MASOOD:
Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to launch a “National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme” for
the youth engaged in the animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sector;
(b) if so, the details of the arrangements for training, credit assistance and market support in this
regard;
(c) whether the scheme focuses on linking rural start-ups with agro-processing
(d) if so, the number of youth benefitted so far; and
(e) whether the Government has prepared any joint forum with the State Governments for this
scheme and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)
(a) and (e) The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India
has no proposal to launch “National Agro-Entrepreneurship Scheme” for the youth engaged in the
animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sector. However, DAHD, Government of India is
implementing the National Livestock Mission-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-
EDP) which is a key component and provides 50% capital subsidy for rural poultry, sheep, goats,
pigs, camels, horses, and donkey farms. Additionally, it supports fodder value-addition units,
including hay, silage, Total Mixed Ration (TMR), fodder blocks, and units for processing, grading,
and storing fodder seeds. The ceiling for various components ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The
eligible entities are individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups
(SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs), and Section 8
companies. The scheme is end to end digitized. As of now, 3843 projects have received approval,
with a total approved project cost of ₹2672.45 Crore and an approved subsidy amounting to
₹1233.69 Crore. The State Governments are working as State Implementing Agencies for
processing, verification and onward submission of proposals submitted by Entrepreneurs under
NLM-EDP. The scheme enables the start-ups to avail benefit subject to compliance of scheme
guidelines. As on date, 3784 no. of individual beneficiaries have been assisted.
****