National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP)

Brief
The National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) is a central initiative launched to foster self-reliance and modernise the livestock sector through private investment and rural entrepreneurship.

Objective
- Create direct and indirect livelihood opportunities in rural areas, especially for youth and women
- Target higher production of meat, eggs, goat milk, wool, and fodder to meet domestic and export demands
- Enhance per-animal productivity through scientific breed improvement and modern technologies
- Develop a "Hub and Spoke" model where entrepreneurs (Hubs) provide quality inputs to local farmers (Spokes)

Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age 18 years
- Individuals and private entrepreneurs (specially for youth and women)
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
- Farmer Cooperative Organisations (FCOs)
- Section 8 Companies Additional Requirements: - Applicants must have appropriate training or experience in the relevant livestock field
- The entrepreneur must own or have leased land suitable for the project
- Must have a sanctioned loan or bank guarantee (for self-financing)

Benefits
- Capital Subsidy: Provides a 50% back-ended capital subsidy on the total project cost
- Subsidy Ceilings:
    i. Poultry: Up to ₹25 Lakh
    ii. Sheep & Goat: Up to ₹50 Lakh
    iii. Pig Farming: Up to ₹30 Lakh
    iv. Fodder Units: Up to ₹50 Lakh
- Installments: Released in two equal installments via SIDBI (first after 25% project expenditure/loan release; second after project completion)

Nodal Department
- Central Level: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD)
- State Level: State Animal Husbandry Department
- Fund Channeling: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)