The Madhya Pradesh government is actively promoting livestock farming as a means to double farmers’ income and make them self-reliant. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has pledged to transform the state into the “Milk Capital of India” by 2028. Cow protection and promotion remain a top priority for the government, with several initiatives already underway.
Currently, Madhya Pradesh contributes about 9% to India’s total milk production. The state has set a target to raise this share to 20%. To support cattle rearing, the monthly allowance for cattle feed has been increased from ₹20 to ₹40. Under the ‘Har Ghar Gokul’ campaign, 946 new milk cooperative societies have been established across the state. Additionally, through the Chief Minister Vrindavan Village Scheme, self-reliant villages are being developed in every district.
To enhance the national recognition of the state’s flagship Sanchi brand, the Madhya Pradesh Milk Federation has entered into an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This collaboration aims to not only increase milk production but also expand branding of dairy products, improve animal healthcare services, provide veterinary training, and develop modern dairy infrastructure. By 2030, the government plans to extend the dairy network to 26,000 villages, targeting daily milk collection of 5.2 million kilograms.
The government has introduced multiple schemes to boost the income of livestock farmers:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: Farmers will be provided with units of 25 high-yielding cows or buffaloes, costing ₹36–42 lakh. Subsidies of 33% for Scheduled Castes/Tribes and 25% for other categories are available.
Self-Reliant Cow Shelter Policy 2025: Large urban gaushalas with a capacity of over 5,000 cattle are being set up in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Gwalior.
Currently, around 2,942 cow shelters are registered in the state, with 2,828 operational and housing over 4.22 lakh cattle. In the last year alone, 623 new shelters were registered, most constructed under the MGNREGA scheme. Under the Fodder Subsidy Program, cow shelters received financial aid worth ₹133.35 crore in the current fiscal year.
Focus on Marginalized Communities: Special initiatives are being implemented for extremely backward tribes such as the Baiga, Sahariya, and Bharia communities. Through the Chief Minister Dairy Animal Scheme, beneficiaries in 14 districts are being provided with two Murrah buffaloes or cows at 90% subsidy.
Breed Improvement and Modern Technology: To improve cattle breeds, the state is encouraging artificial insemination. Under the National Gokul Mission, 1,500 “Maitri” centers are being established. Additionally, the Chief Minister Dairy Plus Program has been launched as a pilot project in Sehore, Vidisha, and Raisen districts, focusing on modern dairy practices and breed enhancement.
