Goat Farming Loans & Government Schemes
Government schemes and bank loans for goat farming in India: the National Livestock Mission (now being revised), AHIDF, NABARD refinance and state schemes, and where to check their current status.
Goat farming is well supported by government schemes and bank finance in India. This guide summarises the main programmes and where to check their current status.
Main government support at a glance
| Scheme | What it offers | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| National Livestock Mission (NLM) | Not accepting new applications (scheme under revision, Sep 2026). Under the 2021–26 rules it gave up to 50% capital subsidy, maximum ₹50 lakh, for breeding units, paid through SIDBI and the lending bank in two instalments | Individuals, FPOs, SHGs, JLGs and Section 8 companies |
| AHIDF (Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund) | Bank loans with about 3% interest subvention for larger processing/infrastructure projects | Entrepreneurs, companies, FPOs |
| NABARD refinance | Refinances bank lending for livestock; supports subsidy-linked loans | Via scheduled banks |
| State animal-husbandry schemes | Additional support in some states; amounts, eligibility and whether it can be combined with NLM vary — check with your District Animal Husbandry Office | State residents; some states give extra help to SC/ST and women farmers |
National Livestock Mission — the main scheme
Under the 2021–26 rules of NLM’s entrepreneurship component, the subsidy was tiered by the size of the breeding unit, as below. These rules are no longer taking new applicants; the revised scheme may differ.
| Unit size | Indicative subsidy |
|---|---|
| 100 females + 5 males | Up to ₹10 lakh |
| 200 females + 10 males | Up to ₹20 lakh |
| 300 females + 15 males | Up to ₹30 lakh |
| 400 females + 20 males | Up to ₹40 lakh |
| 500 females + 25 males | Up to ₹50 lakh |
The subsidy was 50% of the actual capital cost, up to these ceilings. SIDBI released it through the lending bank in two instalments: the first after the bank has released at least 25% of the sanctioned loan, the second after the project is completed and verified. For bank-financed projects the 2021–26 guidelines required you to contribute at least 10% of the project cost yourself. Applicants could use a bank loan or self-finance the rest.
What to do while NLM is being revised
- Watch the official NLM portal (nlm.udyamimitra.in) for the revised guidelines and the date applications reopen. Do not pay anyone who claims they can get an NLM subsidy approved now.
- Prepare a project report (unit size, costs, expected returns); your bank or Animal Husbandry Department can guide the format. Banks lend for goat units with or without a subsidy.
- Ask your District Animal Husbandry Office about state schemes that are open now.
Documents you will usually need
- Identity and address proof, and land documents or lease for the farm site.
- A project report / business plan.
- Bank account details and, where relevant, caste or category certificate for special provisions.
- Training or experience certificates can strengthen the application.
Guides to individual schemes
- National Livestock Mission: rules and current status
- Kisan Credit Card for goat farmers
- Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana (Rajasthan goat insurance)
- Goat farm project report (DPR) guide
- All government and research resources
Key takeaways
- NLM’s entrepreneurship subsidy (up to 50%, max ₹50 lakh under the 2021–26 rules) is not accepting new applications while DAHD revises the scheme (Sep 2026).
- AHIDF gives interest-subvented loans for larger infrastructure projects.
- NABARD refinances bank loans; some states run their own schemes — check terms with your District AHO.
- A solid project report and your District AHO + bank are the starting point.
- Always verify current terms — rules change and this is not financial advice.
Sources (checked November 2026): Dept. of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Nagaland — NLM advertisement; Kerala Livestock Development Board — NLM-EDP guidelines (Aug 2024); NLM Udyami Mitra portal.