Government Scheme Guide
NLM Scheme for Poultry Farmers 2026 — Subsidy, Eligibility & How to Apply
| Scheme name | National Livestock Mission (NLM) |
| Ministry | Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying |
| Subsidy (General) | 25% of project cost, max ₹25 lakh |
| Subsidy (SC/ST/Women) | 33.33% of project cost, max ₹25 lakh |
| Loan component | Min 75% of project cost via bank term loan |
| Who can apply | Farmers, SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives, companies |
| Apply at | udyamimitra.in or State Animal Husbandry Dept |
| Subsidy release | Back-ended via NABARD post project completion |
What is the National Livestock Mission (NLM)?
The National Livestock Mission is a flagship central government programme under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It was restructured in 2021-22 and covers four broad components: entrepreneurship development, infrastructure, innovation, and breed improvement. For poultry farmers, the most relevant component is Entrepreneurship Development & Employment Generation (EDEG), which provides capital subsidy for setting up commercial poultry units.
The scheme is designed to make poultry farming more accessible to small and marginal farmers, women entrepreneurs, and SC/ST communities by reducing the upfront capital burden through government-backed subsidies routed through NABARD.
Eligible Poultry Activities Under NLM
The following poultry activities are covered under NLM subsidy:
- ✓ Commercial broiler farming (integration model or independent)
- ✓ Layer farming for table eggs
- ✓ Backyard poultry development (desi breeds — Kadaknath, Aseel, Nicobari)
- ✓ Duck farming (Khaki Campbell, White Pekin)
- ✓ Hatchery setup (layer/broiler parent stock)
- ✓ Feed mixing units for poultry
- ✓ Poultry processing/slaughter unit
- ✓ Cold chain infrastructure for poultry products
- ✓ Turkey, quail, guinea fowl farming
Subsidy Amount and Structure in 2026
| Category | Subsidy % | Max Subsidy | Min Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| General category | 25% | ₹25 lakh | 75% of project cost |
| SC / ST applicants | 33.33% | ₹25 lakh | 75% of project cost |
| Women entrepreneurs | 33.33% | ₹25 lakh | 75% of project cost |
| North-East states | 33.33% | ₹25 lakh | 75% of project cost |
| J&K / Hill states | 33.33% | ₹25 lakh | 75% of project cost |
How the subsidy works: The subsidy is back-ended, meaning the bank first disburses the full loan. After project completion and inspection, NABARD releases the subsidy amount directly to your loan account, reducing your outstanding principal. You do not receive cash in hand.
Eligibility Criteria
- • Indian citizen above 18 years of age
- • No prior default on any government scheme loan
- • Own or legally leased land for the poultry unit (minimum 10 years lease)
- • Project cost must be ₹10 lakh or above to qualify for NLM subsidy
- • Bank term loan for at least 75% of project cost must be sanctioned
- • First-time beneficiaries are given priority; existing units must show expansion
- • For SHGs/FPOs: minimum 50% members from SC/ST/women to get enhanced subsidy
Documents Required
- • Aadhaar card
- • PAN card
- • Voter ID / Passport
- • Bank passbook (cancelled cheque)
- • Land ownership certificate / Fard
- • Lease agreement (notarised)
- • No encumbrance certificate
- • Village map with plot number
- • Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- • Bank loan sanction letter
- • Quotations for equipment
- • Environmental clearance (if >5,000 birds)
- • Caste certificate (SC/ST)
- • Women self-declaration / marriage certificate
- • SHG registration certificate
- • FPO registration
How to Apply — Step by Step
Prepare your Detailed Project Report (DPR)
Hire an NLM-approved consultant to prepare the DPR covering unit size, breed, feed plan, shed design, capital cost breakup, and projected income. Most state Animal Husbandry Departments have a list of empanelled consultants.
Get a bank loan sanctioned
Approach a scheduled commercial bank, cooperative bank, or NABARD-linked RRB with your DPR. The bank will evaluate and sanction the loan (typically 75% of project cost). You need the sanction letter before completing the NLM application.
Register and apply online
Visit udyamimitra.in (SIDBI portal) or your state's Animal Husbandry Department portal. Register, fill the application form, upload all documents, and submit. You will receive an application ID.
Field verification
A district-level committee or bank official will visit and verify your site. Ensure land documents, shed construction, and equipment are in order before the visit.
Project implementation & subsidy release
Start constructing the unit using the bank loan. After project completion and a final inspection, NABARD releases the subsidy amount into your loan account, reducing your principal outstanding.
State Nodal Agencies
NLM is implemented through State Implementing Agencies (SIAs). Contact your state's Animal Husbandry Department:
| State | Nodal Agency | Portal / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | AP Animal Husbandry Dept | apanimalhusbandrydept.gov.in |
| Telangana | TS Animal Husbandry Dept | ahd.telangana.gov.in |
| Karnataka | Karnataka AHD | ahvs.karnataka.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Animal Husbandry Dept | animalhusb.upsdc.gov.in |
| West Bengal | WB AHD | wbahd.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | TN AHD | www.tnahd.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | MAHA AHD | www.ahd.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Haryana | Haryana AHD | pashudhanharyana.gov.in |
| Punjab | Punjab AHD | ludhiana.nic.in/animalhusbandrydept |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NLM scheme for poultry farmers?
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It provides capital subsidy and credit-linked support to poultry farmers for setting up or expanding broiler, layer, and backyard poultry units. Subsidy ranges from 25% to 50% of project cost depending on category.
How much subsidy is available under NLM for poultry in 2026?
Under NLM 2026, poultry farmers can get capital subsidy of 25% (general category) or 33.33% (SC/ST/women/northeastern states) of the project cost, up to a maximum of ₹25 lakh per beneficiary. The subsidy is back-ended and released through NABARD after project completion and bank loan disbursement.
Who is eligible for NLM poultry subsidy?
Eligible beneficiaries include: individual farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and private companies. The applicant must have a viable project report, own or leased land, and obtain a bank term loan for at least 75% of the project cost.
What documents are needed to apply for NLM poultry scheme?
Required documents: (1) Detailed Project Report (DPR) from approved consultant; (2) Land ownership/lease documents; (3) Bank loan sanction letter; (4) Aadhaar and PAN card; (5) Caste certificate for SC/ST applicants; (6) Bank passbook; (7) No objection certificate from local authority; (8) Environmental clearance if unit >5,000 birds.
How to apply for NLM scheme online for poultry?
Apply online at udyamimitra.in (SIDBI portal) or through your state's Animal Husbandry Department portal. Steps: (1) Register on the portal; (2) Fill the application with project details; (3) Upload documents; (4) Get bank loan sanctioned; (5) NABARD releases subsidy post-project completion inspection.
Disclaimer: Scheme details and subsidy percentages are based on publicly available NLM guidelines as of August 2026. Always verify the latest guidelines at the official Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying website (dahd.gov.in) or your state's nodal agency before applying.