The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) has been launched by the Government of India to transform the livestock sector by modernizing infrastructure, increasing productivity, and enhancing the value chain in animal husbandry. This initiative, with a total outlay of ₹15,000 crore, is aimed at improving dairy processing, meat processing, and animal feed plants while creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the private sector. It aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving rural economic growth, self-reliance, and sustainable development in the agriculture and livestock industries.
Under the AHIDF, financial assistance is provided to eligible beneficiaries, including farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), private companies, and individual entrepreneurs. The fund offers interest subvention of 3% on loans, encouraging investments in modern processing facilities, cold chain infrastructure, and value-added product development. This not only boosts the income of livestock farmers but also addresses critical challenges such as post-harvest losses and inefficient supply chains.
A key focus of the AHIDF is the development of dairy infrastructure, including milk chilling plants, bulk milk coolers, and automated processing units to improve the quality and safety of milk and dairy products. The fund also promotes investments in meat processing plants and export-oriented units, strengthening India’s presence in global markets for processed meat products. Additionally, the fund supports the establishment of animal feed plants to meet the rising demand for nutrient-rich, cost-effective feed, ensuring improved livestock health and productivity.
The AHIDF encourages technology adoption and sustainability by supporting eco-friendly practices such as biogas production, efficient waste management systems, and energy-efficient infrastructure. By promoting innovation and modernization, the fund enhances the competitiveness of India’s livestock sector and contributes to the development of a robust value-added supply chain.
This initiative also focuses on job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas, by encouraging private investment and empowering small farmers to become stakeholders in the value chain. The AHIDF’s emphasis on developing infrastructure ensures better market access for livestock farmers, enabling them to receive fair prices for their produce while improving food security and reducing wastage.
The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund is a transformative step towards making the livestock sector a key driver of economic growth. By fostering innovation, improving infrastructure, and strengthening market linkages, the fund is set to create a self-reliant, sustainable, and globally competitive livestock industry, benefitting millions of farmers and rural communities across India.
