BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Monday approved annual action plan of `25.33 crore under National Livestock Mission (NLM) for 2017-18.
In its bid to improve the economic condition of poor people, the State Government has decided to extend financial support to about 17,000 BPL families for taking up poultry farming.
Each selected BPL beneficiary will get financial assistance of `6,000 under Backyard Poultry Development scheme for construction of shelters and purchase of baby chicks.
The annual action plan was approved by the State-level high powered committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary AP Padhi here.
Emphasising on quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production and capacity building of all stakeholders, the Chief Secretary advised the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department to promote use of modern technology for sustainable growth of livestock sector.He further emphasised on convergence of NLM with Odisha Livelihood Mission to make each of the activities under animal husbandry a profitable business.
Padhi advised the department to formulate the action plan with an objective of sustainable development of livestock sector, focusing on improving availability of quality feed and fodder.
Since steady supply of fodder is highly essential for supporting the livestock population, the meeting decided to support the farmers for accelerating production of fodder through promotion of integrated technologies and processes for enhancing the availability of fodder throughout the year.
Under the fodder development programme, the State Government will provide financial assistance of `30,000 for cultivation of green fodder in one hectare of land. The assistance will be given for fodder cultivation on area of at least half an acre of land.