Union Minister Rupala Launches Updated AHIDF Scheme

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, unveiled the realigned Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme and introduced a Radio Jingle for AHIDF in New Delhi. The Minister highlighted the significance of the scheme, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasized its realignment and extension for another three years.

Realignment of AHIDF Scheme

• The Cabinet, in its meeting approved the realignment of AHIDF with a substantial outlay of ₹29,610 crore, significantly higher than the previous ₹15,000 crore.
• The realigned scheme will be in effect for an additional three-year period from March 31, 2023, until 2025-26.
• The realigned scheme incorporates the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund and offers enhanced benefits, such as a 3% interest subvention and Credit Guarantee support to Dairy Cooperatives.

Stakeholder Participation

• The inaugural event witnessed the participation of various stakeholders, including industry associations, NDDB, Dairy Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and officials from the North Eastern States.
• Several entities lauded the scheme for its role in infrastructural development within the livestock sector and pledged investments, exemplified by ABIS Export Private Limited’s commitment of ₹2,000 crore.

Key Benefits of the Realigned Scheme

• Interest Subvention of 3% for up to 8 years
• Coverage for Individuals, FPOs, Dairy Cooperatives, Private Companies, MSMEs
• Credit guarantee cover up to 25% of the term loan
• No ceiling on the loan amount
• Loan coverage of up to 90% of the estimated/actual project cost
• Integration with capital subsidy schemes of other ministries or state-level schemes
• Simplified application process through the online portal www.ahidf.udaymimitra.in.

Achievements and Impact

• Since its launch on 24th June 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Initiative, AHIDF has garnered significant response nationwide, receiving over 5000 project proposals.
• Notable achievements include the creation of substantial capacities in dairy and meat processing, animal feed production, breed improvement, and veterinary vaccine manufacturing.
• The scheme has leveraged investments amounting to Rs. 8,903 crore and generated around 15 lakh employment opportunities.

Transparency and Implementation

• To ensure transparent implementation, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has developed the portal www.ahidf.udyamimitra.in for application and request processing.
• This initiative has facilitated a hassle-free and transparent execution of the scheme, benefiting numerous small and marginal farmers alongside industries.

AHIDF: A Boost for Livestock and Rural Livelihoods

The realigned AHIDF scheme stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to bolstering the livestock sector and promoting rural livelihoods. With enhanced funding and extended support, it aims to catalyze infrastructural development, technological advancement, and economic growth across the dairy and animal husbandry landscape in India.