Rs 4.5 cr allocated to set up breeding unit for indigenous cattle

The centre will raise 169 cattle comprising the native species of Tamil Nadu. Through advanced natural breeding techniques and artificial insemination, a broodstock of calves will be created and they will be dispersed across the state to protect the indigenous cattle breeds, the Minister explained.

As part of country chicken distribution scheme and to enhance the protein diversity, the state will spend Rs 48.81 crore. Under the scheme, twenty lakh country chicken of Asil breed will be distributed to women in panchayat and rural areas.

Besides the cattle, the Minister also announced a special breeding and distribution programme for sheep and goat that are endemic to the districts of Salem, Tirupur, Karur and Dharmapuri. Under the project, 1,027 sheep broodstock will be raised and they will be distributed among farmers in western districts to enhance the yield of sheep population. The state also has plans to generate 46,000 sheep calves through a massive artificial insemination project. For sheep and goats, the state has earmarked around Rs 7.5 crore

To help the cattle population thrive in the state, quality fodder will be raised by the department and the feed will be sold at subsidised rates and for this purpose, the state will spend Rs 5.41 crore. A fodder seed farm comprising 29 seed varieties will be developed to enhance the production of cattle feed and it will be developed in the current year, he said.