Free cattle scheme to resume next month

“It was suspended due to drought. It will be resumed next month,” he said on the sidelines of a function here. Government Sources said that the commencement of rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu coupled with availability of green fodder will help facilitate resumption of the scheme in August. 

About the scheme for distribution of free milch cows, it will be implemented in 21 districts, and in respect of goats, it will be in place in all districts barring Chennai, the sources added.

As far as the fund allocation is concerned for the schemes for 2017-18, Rs 198.75 crore has been allotted for distribution of goats and in respect of cows Rs 49.83 crore has been proposed, the sources said. 

On July 11, Reddy had informed the Assembly that free scheme was temporarily stopped due to severe drought and will be resumed after receipt of adequate rainfall. The state faced the worst drought  in 2016-17 and the farmers struggled to rear their cattle. The drought also increased the price of cattle fodder. 

One of the flagship welfare schemes of the AIADMK regime, the free cattle plan was launched in 2011 by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The scheme received a good response from the beneficiaries as it is said to have improved the economic conditions of people in the rural parts of the state. It also increased the milk procurement of Aavin considerably. 

In the run up to the 2011 Assembly polls, the AIADMK had promised implementation of the scheme in its manifesto as part of efforts to usher in again a “white revolution.”