The government in Hyderabad has prioritized agriculture and allied industries in the State over the past eight years. They aim to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of rural India, known as ‘Gram Swaraj’. Officials recognize the importance of livestock in human prosperity and its role in the social, economic, and cultural life of people. Many poor and small farmers depend on cattle for their livelihood.
To strengthen the rural economy, the government is working on making the livestock sector more profitable. Telangana has a significant number of livestock, including cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Around 25.82 lakh households in the State are engaged in animal husbandry and related employment, with dairy cattle-rearing and sheep and goat-rearing being the primary sources of income for many families.
Under the Sheep Distribution Scheme, the government has distributed 3.94 lakh units (82.64 lakh sheep) as of July 2022. This has resulted in the birth of 1.32 crore lambs. By May 2023, the government has allocated Rs 5,001.53 crore for this program. Additionally, the government has implemented a scheme where dairy farmers receive Rs 4 per liter of milk since 2014. Around 2,95,785 dairy farmers have benefited from this scheme so far.
To further support farmers, the government has provided 100 mobile veterinary clinics across the State, offering free services to farmers. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao initiated this program in 2017, with an annual expenditure of Rs 30 crore. As of now, Rs 136 crore has been allocated for this program, benefiting 29 lakh cattle.
In an effort to develop the fishing industry and provide employment opportunities for fishermen, the government offers a 100% subsidy for fish fry and rearing them in ponds. This program began on October 3, 2016, and aims to directly and indirectly benefit nearly four lakh fishermen.
Overall, the government of Hyderabad is committed to supporting agriculture, livestock, and allied industries to strengthen the rural economy and improve the lives of farmers and residents in the State.
