Bihar government has announced a series of important decisions aimed at strengthening livestock farming, dairy development and the sugarcane-based rural economy. At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, 24 proposals were approved, including a 100% interest subsidy on eligible livestock loans, eight dairy development projects in the Kosi region and a new sugar mill in Warisaliganj, Nawada, involving an investment of more than ₹500 crore.
The Cabinet has approved the Mukhyamantri Go-Dhan Vikas Rin Yojana, a scheme designed to provide financial support to eligible livestock farmers. Under the scheme, the government will provide a 100% subsidy on the interest charged on eligible bank loans. This means beneficiaries will not have to bear the interest component, while the principal amount of the loan will remain payable. The scheme is intended to encourage dairy activities, including the purchase of improved breeds of cows and buffaloes, and support the expansion of livestock-based businesses.
More than ₹1,600 crore has reportedly been approved for the scheme. The broader objective is to increase milk production and strengthen livestock and dairy activities as sources of rural income and employment. Detailed provisions regarding eligibility, maximum loan amounts and the application process are expected to be issued by the concerned department.
The Cabinet has also approved eight dairy development projects in the Kosi region, with a total allocation of ₹126.07 crore. The projects will focus on strengthening dairy infrastructure and expanding organised milk collection and cooling facilities. The plan also includes the formation of 500 new milk cooperative societies. Infrastructure such as dairy facilities, milk chilling plants and Bulk Milk Cooling Units (BMCUs) will be developed as part of the initiative. The proposed expansion is aimed at improving milk collection, storage and cooling systems and creating a more organized dairy network for livestock farmers in the region.
Another major decision concerns the establishment of a new sugar mill at Warisaliganj in Nawada district. The project is expected to involve an investment of more than ₹500 crore. The proposed mill could provide sugarcane farmers in Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura and Jamui with an additional local option for selling their produce. Once established, the sugar mill is expected to generate activity across the sugarcane value chain, including procurement, transportation and processing. It could also create opportunities for businesses and employment linked to the sugar industry in the surrounding areas.
Veterinary Infrastructure to Get a Boost:
The Cabinet has given in-principle approval to the Bihar Veterinary Infrastructure and Services Strengthening Policy. The policy aims to improve infrastructure and services related to animal healthcare across the state. Strengthening veterinary facilities could help livestock farmers access better treatment and animal health services closer to their areas. Further details on the implementation framework and specific projects are expected to be announced separately.
What These Decisions Mean for Farmers and Livestock Owners:
The latest Cabinet decisions cover three important components of Bihar's rural economy livestock farming, dairy development and the sugarcane-based industry. The interest subsidy under the Go-Dhan loan scheme could reduce the interest burden for eligible livestock farmers. At the same time, dairy infrastructure in the Kosi region is planned to expand milk collection and cooling capacity, while the proposed Warisaliganj sugar mill could create an additional local market for sugarcane farmers.
FAQs:
1. What is the Go-Dhan Loan Scheme Bihar?
The Go-Dhan Loan Scheme Bihar is a government initiative under which eligible livestock farmers can receive a 100% subsidy on the interest charged on eligible bank loans.
2. Will farmers have to repay the livestock loan principal?
Yes. The interest component is proposed to be covered through the subsidy, while the principal amount of the eligible loan remains payable by the beneficiary.
3. How many dairy projects have been approved in the Kosi region?
The Bihar Cabinet has approved eight dairy development projects in the Kosi region with an allocation of ₹126.07 crore.
4. Where will the new sugar mill be established?
The proposed sugar mill will be established at Warisaliganj in Nawada district. The project is expected to involve an investment of more than ₹500 crore.
5. How will these decisions benefit livestock farmers?
The measures are aimed at reducing the interest burden on eligible livestock loans, expanding dairy infrastructure, improving veterinary services and strengthening local agricultural and livestock-related businesses.
