Chennai: The state is all set to restart the suspended free livestock scheme, the brainchild of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. "The Edappadi K. Palaniswami led government is reworking Jayalalithaa's schemes to make them more popular among rural folk. Areas not covered during the previous phases will now receive free goats and cows" a senior informed official said.
According to official sources, the scheme was suspended last year due to drought and the agriculture minister also informed the state Assembly that the project was shelved due to the unprecedented drought in over a century. Cattle deaths were also reported from western districts like Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, but now with the state receiving copious rains, the project will resume soon, the official said. Animal husbandry officials have started visiting weekly markets to purchase goats and sheep, and the works to procure cows will also be taken up shortly. A sum of Rs 250 crore will be allocated for the project and Rs 198 crore is likely to be used for the distribution of goats. The scheme will cover all districts except Chennai, sources said.
For 2016, the state gave a financial sanction of Rs 153 crore for procurement of goats and sheeps, and this year, fund allocation has been increased. The agriculture department has also instructed field directors to procure seeds and assist farmers in irrigation activities. Orders and financial sanctions to promote integrated farming have also been intensified in the delta districts, sources added.
