Sheep Farming Subsidy and Loan Information:

Introduction to Sheep Farming Subsidy and Loan:- Sheep farming business is gaining momentum in in India since meat lovers are increasing. The demand and price for Sheep meat is increasing every year. Apart from this, there many people who are unemployed, and there are people who wants to invest and there are people who wants to experiment with Sheep farming business. Whatever the case, If you are planning for commercial Sheep farming, you must know the fact that the initial investment would be more and you may not able afford this. Sheep farmers should also understand the fact that they reach break-even point only after 2 years period. Subsequent years would be profitable. Central government of India and various state governments are encouraging Indian Sheep farmers under various agriculture schemes and Sheep farming is one of them.

To uplift the poor in rural areas and to develop and provide employment, there are some subsidies provided by these schemes. The Sheep farming or rearing business in India is primarily carried out in most of the states in India as these states have the terrain and climate suitable for Sheep rearing business. These state governments announced Sheep farming business subsidy schemes in association with local banks and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).

Before going in detail of subsidy and loan information, ask yourself why you should choose Sheep farming?. Well, the answer for this question is given below.

Sheep meat has an excellent demand and can fetch good profits. Sheep provide milk, meat, wool and manure throughout the year. Sheep are friendly animals and occupy less space. Sheep can depend on agriculture waste and graze on open fields. Sheeps can be raised in stall feeding system and open system. Sheep farmers can make some extra income by selling Sheep manure. Sheep farmers can utilize the manure for growing green fodder. Thus avoiding manure cost. Sheep rearing is a proven successful business in India. Sheep are easy to market; there will not be a marketing problem at all. Sheep easily can mingle with other livestock and you don’t need separate Sheep housing, if number of Sheep is less.

Sheep rearing or farming is a kind of business which requires huge initial investment for purchase of animals, construction of Sheep house/shed, daily feed and nutrients, and other equipment. This is the reason we said earlier, you can avail sheep farming subsidy and bank loans to run the Sheep farming business. It is recommended that you start with a small number of Sheep, once you gain experience in this field, then expand the farming into large scale.

What is NABARD: It stands for “National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development” which set up by RBI. NABARD is dedicated in helping people who are dependent on agriculture as main source of income.

How much sheep farming subsidy can we get for sheep farm?: Well, subsidy may vary to general category to reserved category. The Sheep farming subsidy amount varies from 25% to 35% of the total cost of Sheep or Sheep project. (Subsidies may be applicable to shed construction for sheep, feed cutter for sheep, and other things mentioned in the sheep farm project report)

How to get Sheep Farming Subsidy and Loan?: Every state has their own budget allocated to encourage Sheep farming. Recently, Telangana government announced to encourage rural area Sheep farmers. When it comes to providing subsides in Sheep farming, Maharashtra and Karnataka are in leading position.

Another important thing you should remember is that “NABARD” never directly lends to a farmer but instead routes the subsidy through a recognized banks where application is filed.

Process for Sheep Farming Subsidy and Loan:-

When you are ready for Sheep farming business, visit your nearest local any commercial, rural or co-operative bank and inquire if they offer loans for purchasing Sheep through NABARD, if they do, get the application form.

Complete the application form with the help of bank officer or technical officer. Prepare a brief and point to point project report which can contains details of your Sheep farming project. This report should be submitted to “NABARD” for availing subsidy.

Once the application for sheep farming subsidy and project report has been submitted to “NABARD”, it may take some time to review and get it approved. The sheep farming subsidy will be provided only in the end.

The loan borrower or Sheep business applicant needs to pay margin amount between 10-15% (This will depend on category of farmer, small scale farmers holding land below 5 acres will pay less margin and get more subsidy) of the loan amount while the remaining amount will be provided as a loan from NABARD through applied bank.

Interest rate varies from bank to bank and on an average you can expect 12% interest rate for the loan that you are going avail and payback period will depend on the loan amount.

If you are planning a commercial or large scale Sheep farming then you are eligible to get subsidised loans for purchase of land, construction of Sheep pens /shed / house, feeders and milking machines. A detailed project report should be provided to the bank, if you want the loan to cover the above said items.

Banks Offering Sheep Farming Subsidies and Loans in India:- There are many rural and agriculture co-operative banks offering Sheep farming loans & subsidies for farmers.

IDBI Bank.

Co-operatives Banks.

Canara Bank.

Oriental Bank of Commerce.

State Bank of India (SBI).

Maharashtra Bank.

For Sheep Diseases and Vaccinations: Read here.