Representational image | Photo Credit: IANS

New Delhi: Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday announced that the Centre will set up "Kamdhenu Yojna" for the welfare of cows.

While presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20 in the Lok Sabha, he said: “The government will do whatever is necessary for the honour and protection of cows".

Regarding Animal Husbandry, the minister said, “I have increased the allocation for Rashtriya Gokul Mission to Rs 750 crore in the current year itself. I announce setting up of 'Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog' to upscale sustainable genetic upgradation of cow resources and to enhance production and productivity of cows. The Aayog will also look after effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows.”

Last year, the then BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan had set up a cow welfare ministry to ensure that cattle in their states are treated well. Notably, the BJP had failed to win Assembly Elections held later in both the states.

Meanwhile, in a bid to address distress in the farm sector, Piyush Goyal today announced a 2 per cent interest subvention for farmers hit by natural calamities and offered 3 per cent more to them for timely loan payment.

Goyal also announced 2 per cent interest subvention for farmers involved in animal husbandry and fishery.