CHENNAI: Reviving one of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s most popular rural welfare initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the return of the free milch cow distribution scheme while unveiling a new goat rearing programme for vulnerable women, signalling a renewed push to strengthen rural livelihoods through the livestock sector.
Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the government would provide free milch cows to 10,000 eligible women every year at a cost of Rs 57 crore, enabling economically weaker households to earn a sustainable income through dairy farming.
In another major welfare initiative, the government launched the ‘Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme’, under which five goats or sheep will be provided free of cost to destitute widows, deserted women, transgender persons and persons with disabilities. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs 110 crore, is expected to benefit around 30,000 people across the State.
“The Government is committed to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities by strengthening livestock-based rural economies while improving access to quality veterinary healthcare,” Marie Wilson said.
The Budget also announced the ‘Kaalnadaigal Kaappom’ Livestock Insurance Scheme with an allocation of Rs 31 crore to protect livestock owners against financial losses.
To improve veterinary infrastructure, the government will construct 41 new veterinary hospitals, upgrade 25 hospitals into polyclinics and 210 dispensaries into veterinary hospitals, besides deploying 143 new mobile veterinary units to expand animal healthcare services in remote areas.
The Budget also provides for the establishment of fodder seed banks and warehouses and promotes green fodder cultivation and restoration of grazing lands to address feed shortages.
The Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department has been allocated Rs 4,880 crore in the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27.