Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
Livestock Sector Key to Atmanirbhar Bharat; ₹106 Crore Insurance Claims, 2.20 Lakh Credit Cards Approved
Kurukshetra: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is rapidly moving towards the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the animal husbandry sector will play a decisive role in this journey. He said the state government’s clear objective is to make animal husbandry modern, profitable and sustainable so that livestock farmers’ income increases and rural economy is strengthened.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering on the third day of the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition held in Kurukshetra. He said there are immense opportunities in milk production, value addition, exports and start-ups in the livestock sector. To realise this potential, the government is expanding animal health services to every village, promoting advanced breed improvement, strengthening milk collection and marketing systems, and increasing access to training and credit facilities. The priority is to reduce risks for livestock farmers and ensure their direct access to markets.
During the exhibition, CM Saini inspected various stalls, observed different breeds of animals, interacted with livestock farmers and witnessed animal catwalk presentations. He also honoured farmers securing top positions in different categories and offered prayers by feeding jaggery to an indigenous cow.
The CM said the three-day exhibition reflects Haryana’s rich rural culture, livestock traditions and commitment to self-reliance. He noted that the event provided a common platform for farmers, youth, scientists and entrepreneurs, showcasing high-quality breeds, modern technologies, animal health camps and innovation-based initiatives. Haryana’s per capita daily milk availability has reached 1,128 grams, which he credited to the hard work of livestock farmers.
Highlighting government initiatives, CM Saini said 2.20 lakh Livestock Farmer Credit Cards have been approved by banks, with ₹3,449 crore disbursed so far. Under various dairy schemes, over 14,000 hi-tech and mini dairies have been established, with a 25 percent subsidy for mini dairies and higher subsidies for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries. He said 287 women farmer dairies have also been set up, providing interest-free loans up to ₹1 lakh to empower women.
To protect farmers from losses, the government has insured 15.33 lakh animals under the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Collective Livestock Insurance Scheme. So far, insurance claims worth ₹106 crore have been paid to around 26,000 livestock farmers. The Chief Minister also informed that Haryana is running 70 Mobile Veterinary Units, operating nearly 3,000 veterinary institutions, and has launched special vaccination and disease-eradication campaigns, including a mission to eliminate brucellosis by 2030.
He reaffirmed that healthy animals, prosperous farmers and empowered villages are the foundation of Viksit Haryana and Viksit Bharat.