National Livestock Mission 2026 is one of India’s most powerful government schemes for farmers and rural entrepreneurs who want to start or expand goat farming, sheep farming, poultry farming, or piggery businesses. Implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, NLM offers a one-time 50% capital subsidy of up to Rs.50 lakh to help you set up a profitable livestock unit — with zero need to visit a government office. This complete 2026 guide covers subsidy amounts, eligibility criteria, documents required, step-by-step application process, comparison of NLM vs other schemes, and frequently asked questions — everything you need to apply and get approved.
| Ministry | Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying |
| Scheme Name | National Livestock Mission (NLM) – EDP Component |
| Maximum Subsidy | Rs.50 lakh (50% of project cost) |
| Animals Covered | Goat, Sheep, Poultry, Pig, Horse, Camel, Donkey |
| Beneficiary Types | Individual, SHG, FPO, JLG, FCO, Section 8 Company |
| Subsidy Instalments | 2 equal instalments via SIDBI |
| Application Mode | 100% Online — nlm.udyamimitra.in |
| Central:State Funding | 60:40 (General States) | 90:10 (NE & Hilly States) |
| Scheme Period | 2021–22 to 2025–26 (ongoing implementation) |
- What is National Livestock Mission 2026?
- NLM Subsidy Amounts – Goat, Sheep, Poultry, Pig
- Eligibility Criteria for NLM Scheme 2026
- Documents Required for NLM Application
- How to Apply for National Livestock Mission 2026 Online
- Who Should Apply for NLM Scheme?
- NLM Subsidy Disbursement Process
- NLM vs Other Livestock Schemes – Comparison
- Key Animal Husbandry & Farming Terms to Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is National Livestock Mission 2026?
The National Livestock Mission 2026 (NLM) is a centrally sponsored scheme approved by the Government of India for implementation from 2021–22 to 2025–26. It is designed to achieve three core objectives: promote entrepreneurship in the livestock sector, improve indigenous livestock breeds, and create sustainable rural livelihoods across India including arid, hilly, and northeastern regions.
The scheme operates through the NLM Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), which is the key component most relevant for individual farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Under NLM-EDP, the Central Government provides a one-time 50% capital subsidy to help eligible applicants establish breeding farms for goat, sheep, poultry, pig, horse, camel, and donkey — as well as feed and fodder value-addition units. The entire process is fully digitised on the official portal nlm.udyamimitra.in.
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. For general states, Central Government funds 60% and the state government funds 40% of scheme costs; for northeastern and hilly states, the ratio is a more favourable 90:10.
NLM Subsidy Amounts 2026 – Goat, Sheep, Poultry & Pig
The National Livestock Mission 2026 subsidy amount varies depending on the type of livestock unit you establish. All subsidies are 50% of total project cost, disbursed in 2 equal instalments through SIDBI. The table below shows the maximum subsidy ceiling for each project type:
| Project Type | Minimum Unit Size | Maximum Subsidy (50% of cost) | Subsidy Instalments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goat / Sheep Breeding Farm | 100 females + 5 males | Rs.50 lakh | 2 equal instalments |
| Goat / Sheep (Medium Unit) | 200+10, 300+15, 400+20 | Rs.20–40 lakh (proportional) | 2 equal instalments |
| Rural Poultry Farm (Parent + Hatchery) | 1,000 parent layers | Rs.25 lakh | 2 equal instalments |
| Piggery Breeding Farm | 50 sows + 5 boars | Rs.30 lakh | 2 equal instalments |
| Horse / Camel / Donkey Farm | As per guidelines | Up to Rs.50 lakh | 2 equal instalments |
| Fodder Value-Addition Unit (Hay/Silage/TMR) | As per DPR | Up to Rs.50 lakh | 2 equal instalments |
Important: The subsidy is released only after you have spent at least 25% of the total project cost on infrastructure, and this expenditure has been physically verified by the State Implementing Agency (SIA). The second instalment is released after project completion and verification.
Eligibility Criteria for National Livestock Mission 2026
The National Livestock Mission 2026 has broad eligibility designed to include individual farmers, women entrepreneurs, and organised groups. Below are the key eligibility conditions:
- 🧑🌾 Individual Farmers: Must be a resident of India with valid Aadhaar card, an operational bank account, and land ownership proof or a registered lease agreement for the proposed project site.
- 👩👩👧 Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Must be a registered SHG with a bank account, minimum membership as per state norms, and a resolution to undertake the livestock activity.
- 🏢 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Must be registered under the Companies Act or Cooperative Societies Act with a valid PAN and operational bank account.
- 🤝 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) & Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs): Must meet state-level registration and membership criteria with a collective resolution for the project.
- 🏛️ Section 8 Companies: Registered under the Companies Act 2013 with relevant livestock or agri-business objectives in their MoA.
- 📋 Detailed Project Report (DPR): All applicants must submit a comprehensive DPR with project cost breakdown, revenue projections, implementation timeline, and vendor quotations — this is mandatory.
- 🏦 Bank Financing: Applicants must either secure a loan from a scheduled bank or NCDC, or arrange self-financing. A bank account is mandatory for subsidy transfer.
- 📍 Residence: Applicant must reside in the state/district where the project is proposed.
| Applicant Category | Special Benefit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Women Entrepreneurs / Women SHGs | Priority approval; 850+ women-led projects approved as of 2026 |
| SC / ST Applicants | State-level reservation and additional support; easier finance access |
| OBC / EWS | General scheme benefits applicable; state-specific relaxations may apply |
| NE & Hilly State Applicants | 90:10 central-state funding ratio (more central support) |
| FPOs / Cooperative Societies | Eligible for larger unit sizes and consolidated project DPRs |
Documents Required for NLM Scheme 2026
All documents for the National Livestock Mission 2026 application must be uploaded digitally on nlm.udyamimitra.in — no physical submission is required. Ensure all documents match exactly (name, address) across Aadhaar, bank account, and your application form to avoid rejection.
- 🪪 Aadhaar Card of applicant / authorised signatory
- 🏦 Bank Account Details (cancelled cheque or passbook copy) for subsidy transfer
- 📜 Land Ownership Proof or Registered Lease Agreement for the project site
- 📊 Detailed Project Report (DPR) with cost breakdowns, revenue projections, and implementation timeline
- 🧾 Vendor Quotations for livestock, machinery, equipment, and infrastructure to be procured
- 📋 Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS reservation category)
- 🏢 Registration Certificate (for SHGs, FPOs, JLGs, FCOs, Section 8 Companies)
- 🎓 Experience / Training Certificates in animal husbandry or livestock management (recommended, not always mandatory)
- 📝 No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local body / Gram Panchayat if applicable
- 🗺️ Project Site Map / Layout showing the proposed farm area
How to Apply for National Livestock Mission 2026 Online – Step by Step
Applying for the National Livestock Mission 2026 subsidy is a fully online, multi-stage process. Follow these steps carefully to maximise your chances of approval:
- Identify Your Project Type: Decide which NLM component suits your plan — goat/sheep farming, rural poultry, piggery, or fodder unit. Understand the minimum unit size requirements before writing your DPR.
- Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR): Write a comprehensive DPR that includes total project cost, land details, livestock procurement plan, infrastructure costs, revenue projections for 3–5 years, and an implementation timeline. A poor DPR is the most common reason for rejection.
- Collect All Documents: Gather Aadhaar, land papers, bank account details, vendor quotations, and caste certificate (if applicable). Ensure all names match exactly across documents.
- Register on the NLM Portal: Visit nlm.udyamimitra.in and register using your mobile number. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
- Fill and Submit the Online Application Form (LAF): Log in, select the relevant scheme component, fill the Loan Application Form (LAF) carefully, upload all required documents, and submit.
- State Implementing Agency (SIA) Review: The SIA scrutinises your application against eligibility conditions and physical site data. If satisfied, it recommends your project to a scheduled bank or financial institution for loan sanction.
- Bank Loan Sanction: Your empanelled bank evaluates the DPR, assesses your CIBIL score, creditworthiness, and collateral. After completing due diligence, the bank uploads the sanction letter on the portal.
- SLEC Recommendation to Central Government: After bank sanction, the SIA places your application before the State Level Executive Committee (SLEC), which recommends it to DAHD (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying).
- Central Government Subsidy Approval: DAHD approves the subsidy and marks it on the portal. You receive a sanction letter with terms and conditions to comply with.
- First Subsidy Instalment: After you spend at least 25% of project cost on infrastructure (verified by SIA), SIDBI releases the first 50% of the subsidy amount to your lending bank.
- Project Completion and Second Instalment: After full project completion and SIA verification, SIDBI releases the remaining 50% (second instalment) to your bank.
- Track Your Application: Log in to nlm.udyamimitra.in anytime and click TRACK STATUS to see real-time updates on whether your file is with the State Officer, bank, or Central Government.
Who Should Apply for National Livestock Mission 2026?
The NLM scheme is designed for a wide range of applicants across rural India. Here are the ideal candidate profiles who benefit most from this government livestock subsidy:
- 🐐 Aspiring Goat Farmers: Anyone planning to start goat farming in rural or semi-urban areas with a unit of 100+ goats can receive up to Rs.50 lakh subsidy to cover 50% of total project cost.
- 🐑 Sheep Farmers for Wool & Meat: Farmers in Rajasthan, MP, UP, and other sheep-rearing states looking to expand into organised sheep breeding units with 100–500 females.
- 🐔 Rural Poultry Entrepreneurs: Anyone looking to establish a low-input technology rural poultry farm with a minimum of 1,000 parent layers can claim up to Rs.25 lakh under NLM.
- 👩 Women Entrepreneurs and Women SHGs: The government is actively prioritising women-led livestock projects in 2026 — over 850 women-led projects have already been approved nationwide.
- 👨👩👧👦 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and JLGs: Registered farmer groups looking to set up collective livestock units with shared bank financing and joint liability can pool resources under this scheme.
- 🌄 Farmers in NE, Hilly and Tribal Regions: Applicants in northeastern states, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and tribal areas benefit from the 90:10 central-state funding ratio, meaning greater central support.
- 🏢 FPOs and Farmer Cooperatives: Farmer Producer Organizations wanting to create breed multiplication farms or large-scale poultry hatchery units can access this scheme for organised agri-enterprise building.
- 🌾 Feed and Fodder Entrepreneurs: Rural entrepreneurs wanting to set up Hay Bailing, Silage Making, Total Mixed Ration (TMR), or Fodder Block units to supply the local livestock sector can also claim 50% subsidy.
NLM Subsidy Disbursement Process – How SIDBI Releases Funds
Understanding how the National Livestock Mission 2026 subsidy is actually released helps you plan your cash flow and project timeline correctly. The subsidy is not an upfront grant — it is a back-ended capital subsidy channelled through SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India).
- 💰 First Instalment Trigger: After you spend 25% of the total project cost on infrastructure and SIA verifies this on-site, SIDBI releases the first 50% of subsidy to your lending bank.
- 🏗️ Second Instalment Trigger: After full project completion and on-site verification by SIA, the remaining 50% of subsidy is released by SIDBI to your bank.
- 🏦 Self-Financed Projects: If you are not taking a bank loan, your project must be appraised by the bank where you hold your account. The process otherwise remains the same.
- 🚫 What Subsidy Does NOT Cover: Land purchase, lease rent, car purchase for personal use, and office setting expenses are explicitly excluded from NLM subsidy coverage.
- 📊 Insurance Support: Under NLM, livestock insurance is available at only 15% premium contribution from the farmer — the Central Government bears the remaining 85%. The insurance limit has been raised from 5 to 10 cattle units per household in 2026.
National Livestock Mission vs Other Livestock Schemes – Comparison
| Feature | National Livestock Mission (NLM) | NABARD Animal Husbandry Loan | PM Matsya Sampada Yojana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidy | 50% of project cost | 33–44% (varies by category) | 40–60% (focus on fisheries) |
| Max Subsidy Amount | Rs.50 lakh | Varies by loan size | Rs.75 lakh (beneficiary units) |
| Animals Covered | Goat, Sheep, Poultry, Pig, Horse, Camel, Donkey | All livestock & dairy | Fish only |
| Target Beneficiary | Individual, SHG, FPO, JLG, FCO, Section 8 | Individual farmers, cooperatives | Fishers, fish farmers |
| Application Portal | nlm.udyamimitra.in (100% online) | Bank branch / NABARD portal | pmmsy.dof.gov.in |
| DPR Required | Yes — mandatory | Yes | Yes |
| Subsidy Channel | SIDBI → Lending bank → Beneficiary | NABARD → Bank → Beneficiary | State Govt → Beneficiary |
| Best For | Goat, sheep, poultry breeding farm entrepreneurs | Dairy and large livestock operations | Aquaculture entrepreneurs |
Key Animal Husbandry and Livestock Farming Terms You Must Know
If you are applying for the National Livestock Mission 2026 or planning a livestock business in India, understanding these important terms will help you write a better DPR and communicate with banks and SIA officers effectively.
- NLM-EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Programme): The key sub-component of National Livestock Mission that provides the 50% capital subsidy to individual farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and companies for livestock unit establishment.
- SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India): The financial institution that channels NLM subsidy funds to lending banks. SIDBI releases both instalments based on SIA verification milestones.
- DPR (Detailed Project Report): A mandatory business plan document submitted with your NLM application. Must include project cost, revenue projections, livestock breed selection, infrastructure layout, and implementation timeline.
- SIA (State Implementing Agency): The state-level government body (usually State Animal Husbandry Department) that reviews, verifies, and recommends NLM applications to banks and central government.
- SLEC (State Level Executive Committee): The committee that gives final state-level recommendation for NLM subsidy before the Central Government (DAHD) approves the project.
- Low Input Technology (LIT) Poultry: Rural poultry breeds used in NLM-funded poultry farms that survive on free-range management systems with minimal commercial feed inputs — ideal for backyard farming.
- Goat Milk Production: Commercial goat farming in India can generate Rs.50,000–Rs.2 lakh+ annual income from milk, meat, and breed sale depending on unit size. NLM subsidises 50% of setup cost.
- Fodder Value-Addition Unit: NLM also supports entrepreneurs setting up Hay Bailing, Silage Making, TMR (Total Mixed Ration), or Fodder Block units — all eligible for up to Rs.50 lakh subsidy.
- DAHD (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying): The nodal central department that implements NLM, approves subsidies, and manages the nlm.udyamimitra.in portal.
- NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation): An alternate financing institution that can fund NLM projects for cooperative societies and FPOs in lieu of a scheduled bank.
Frequently Asked Questions – National Livestock Mission 2026
What is the National Livestock Mission 2026?
The National Livestock Mission 2026 (NLM) is a Government of India scheme implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Under its Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), it provides up to 50% capital subsidy — maximum Rs.50 lakh — for establishing goat, sheep, poultry, and piggery farming units to promote rural entrepreneurship across India.
How much subsidy does the NLM scheme give for goat farming?
The NLM scheme provides a 50% capital subsidy for goat farming. The maximum subsidy for a goat or sheep breeding farm is Rs.50 lakh (for a unit of 500 females + 25 males). Smaller units (100+5, 200+10, 300+15, 400+20) are also eligible for proportional subsidy amounts. The subsidy is released in 2 equal instalments through SIDBI.
Who is eligible for National Livestock Mission 2026 subsidy?
Individuals, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs), and Section 8 companies are eligible for NLM 2026 subsidy. Applicants must be Indian residents with Aadhaar, a bank account, land/lease proof, and a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR).
What is the NLM poultry subsidy amount in 2026?
The National Livestock Mission 2026 provides a 50% capital subsidy with a maximum limit of Rs.25 lakh for rural poultry projects. The project must include establishment of a Parent Farm, Hatchery, and brooder-cum-mother unit with a minimum of 1,000 parent layers (low input technology birds). The subsidy is released in 2 instalments after SIA verification.
How to apply for NLM scheme online at nlm.udyamimitra.in?
Visit nlm.udyamimitra.in, register with your mobile number (OTP verification), prepare a Detailed Project Report, upload all required documents, and submit the online Loan Application Form (LAF). The SIA reviews the application, recommends it to a bank for loan sanction, and DAHD then approves the subsidy. The entire process is 100% online — no physical document submission is needed.
Is bank loan compulsory for NLM subsidy?
Yes, a loan from a scheduled bank or financial institution like NCDC is mandatory for most NLM applicants. After the SIA recommends your project, a bank must sanction the loan. For self-financed projects, the bank where you hold your account must appraise the project. SIDBI then channels the subsidy through the lending bank to you in 2 instalments.
What documents are required for National Livestock Mission application?
Required documents for NLM 2026 include: Aadhaar card, bank account details (cancelled cheque), land ownership proof or lease agreement, Detailed Project Report (DPR) with financial projections, vendor quotations for livestock and equipment, caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable), registration certificate (for SHGs/FPOs), and a project site map. All documents must be uploaded digitally on the NLM portal — no physical submission required.
Can women apply for NLM goat farming or poultry subsidy?
Yes, women entrepreneurs and women-led SHGs are actively encouraged to apply for National Livestock Mission 2026 and are given priority in the approval process. As of 2026, over 850 women-led livestock projects have already been approved under NLM nationwide. Women applicants follow the same online application process at nlm.udyamimitra.in and are eligible for the full 50% subsidy.
For more government agriculture schemes and livestock farming guidance, explore our related articles on Agriculture Schemes and Kisan Yojana. This guide is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy — bookmark this page for the latest 2026 NLM notifications.
Official Resources:
- 🌐 NLM Official Portal – nlm.udyamimitra.in
- 🏛️ Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying – dahd.nic.in
- 📋 Press Information Bureau – NLM Updates – pib.gov.in
Last Updated: June 2026
