Maharashtra Gives Agriculture Status: The Maharashtra government has announced a major step for farmers and livestock breeders. It has given animal husbandry the same status as agriculture. This decision, approved in the cabinet on July 11, was shared in the assembly by Minister Pankaja Pragya Gopinath Munde.
Animal Husbandry Gets Equal Status
With this move, animal breeders in Maharashtra will now get the same benefits as traditional crop farmers. Earlier, they were kept separate from agriculture in key areas like electricity, tax, loans, and schemes.
That separation has now ended.
Livestock farmers will now receive:
Electricity at agriculture rates
Gram Panchayat tax exemption
Loans under the Kisan Credit Card
Interest relief under the Punjabrao Deshmukh scheme
Subsidies on solar pumps
Stronger Support for Livestock Farmers
The government made this decision due to the growing role of animal husbandry in the state’s total production. Minister Munde said this will improve the social and economic conditions of livestock farmers. It will also create more jobs in rural areas.
Earlier, the government gave agriculture status to fish farming. That move showed good results.
Who Benefits Most
This decision helps:
Dairy farmers
Poultry farmers
Sheep and goat breeders
Pig farmers
Farms with 100 cows, 500 goats or sheep, or 200 pigs will now qualify for electricity at agriculture rates instead of higher commercial rates.
Poultry farms, layer farms, and hatchery units will also benefit. This change will support higher production and open doors to exports.
New Schemes for Farmers
With this new status, livestock farmers will now access:
Agricultural power rates
Gram Panchayat tax exemptions
Loans through Kisan Credit Cards
Interest discounts up to 4% under the Punjabrao Deshmukh scheme
Subsidies on solar pumps and equipment
Expanded insurance and financial aid
Based on ICAR and NITI Aayog Reports
This step follows the recommendations made in 2021 by ICAR and NITI Aayog. The reports suggested better planning and scientific support for livestock farmers to reduce economic risk.
With agriculture status, animal breeders will now qualify for:
Agricultural investment
Technical support
Insurance coverage
Government subsidies
Other States May Follow
Ranpal Dhanda, President of the Poultry Federation of India, praised the move. He said it would support poultry and livestock production. He also urged other states to follow Maharashtra’s lead.
Ranpal added that the decision could boost both production and exports.
Jobs and Self-Reliance in Rural Areas
This policy will also help create new jobs. It offers extra support to livestock farmers, helping them improve their income and contribute to rural self-reliance.
A Big Policy Shift
This is more than a policy update. It removes the long-standing gap between farming and animal husbandry. It gives financial strength to farmers and a new direction to the agriculture sector.
Now, other states should take note and improve the lives of livestock farmers by doing the same.
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