Govt Launches Initiative to Empower Rural Youth and Farmers

Vijayawada:Minister for agriculture Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, announced on Wednesday that the state government is working to empower rural youth and farmers by transforming them into entrepreneurs.

The state government has introduced a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among rural youth and farmers. A key component of this initiative is the National Livestock Mission, which will be implemented in every constituency across the state.

The minister highlighted the government's commitment to the success of this initiative by providing extensive support to beneficiaries, including guidance on project report preparation, application submission, and bank loan facilitation. The National Livestock Mission offers a 50 per cent subsidy for the rearing of sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs. Projects ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 10 crore are eligible for the subsidy, with farmers contributing 10 per cent and the remaining 40% covered by bank loans.

He expressed disappointment regarding the lack of support for farmers under the previous YSRC government and emphasised that the current administration is dedicated to effectively implementing the National Livestock Mission in all constituencies, having set district-wise targets to achieve this goal.

To encourage banks to participate actively in the scheme, the minister stated that the government is collaborating closely with collectors and officials from the animal husbandry department to streamline the loan process.