- Tamil Nadu government offers a subsidy up to Rs. 2.10 lakhs for building free cow sheds under MGNREGA.
- Eligible farmers must be MGNREGA members with their own land having a separate patta; priority is given to existing cattle rearers and milk suppliers.
- Apply through local BDO offices with the required documents; officials will check the site before approving the subsidy and starting construction.
Tamil Nadu government has introduced the Free Cow Shed Scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to support farmers in improving cattle rearing facilities. The initiative provides financial assistance for constructing cow sheds on farmers’ own land, ensuring better protection for cattle from adverse weather conditions. Officials said the scheme aims to enhance livestock welfare and boost farmers’ income. Beneficiaries can avail the scheme by meeting the eligibility criteria and following the prescribed application process.
Free Cow Shed Scheme Benefits and Subsidy Details
The Tamil Nadu government started this scheme to encourage livestock farming and improve the lives of poor farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers get a subsidy to build cow sheds on their own land without any upfront cost. The subsidy amount depends on how many cattle you have:
- If you have up to 4 cattle, you get a subsidy of Rs. 79,000.
- If you rear between 5 to 10 cattle, the subsidy can go up to Rs. 2.10 lakhs.
Government officials personally visit the site and supervise the cow shed construction to make sure the funds are used properly and the quality is good. This scheme not only protects your cattle from rain and heat but also helps you earn a steady income through dairy farming.
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Eligibility Criteria for Free Cow Shed Scheme
To get this subsidy, you need to meet some conditions set by the Tamil Nadu government:
- You should be a registered member of the MGNREGA 100-day employment scheme.
- The cow shed must be built on your own land, which should have a separate patta (land ownership document). Joint pattas are not accepted.
- You should not have already received subsidies from other government schemes for goat sheds or poultry farms.
- Priority is given to farmers who already rear cattle and those who supply large amounts of milk to the Aavin dairy cooperative.
Required Documents for Application
Before applying, make sure you have these documents ready:
- MGNREGA 100-day employment card
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Voter ID card
- Patta document for your land
Step-by-Step Application Process
If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for the Free Cow Shed Scheme:
- Visit your local Block Development Office (BDO) in person.
- Talk to the officials and ask about the Free Cow Shed Scheme under MGNREGA.
- Get the application form and fill it out carefully.
- Submit the completed form along with all required documents to the BDO office.
- Officials will visit your land to check and verify the details.
- Once verified, the subsidy will be approved and construction of the cow shed will start under government supervision.
This scheme is a good step towards improving rural livelihoods by supporting cattle farmers with infrastructure and financial help. If you’re interested, don’t wait to apply and get this benefit to protect your cattle and increase your dairy production.