Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 02 October 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) is exploring a proposal to bring high-yielding milch cattle from the mainland to address the ongoing shortage of fresh cow’s milk in the Islands. This move comes in response to multiple representations from livestock farmers and stakeholders requesting improved dairy stock.
To accurately assess demand, the department has begun a survey to determine the number of cattle required by farmers. Under the proposed scheme, good-quality animals will be procured from the mainland and supplied on a full-cost basis. The department will bear overhead expenses including feeding, transportation, veterinary care, quarantine, testing, and transit via cattle carriers.
Beneficiaries will be selected based on their experience in dairy farming, membership in a Livestock Cooperative Society, knowledge of dairy practices, and availability of land for fodder cultivation or adherence to proper feed management practices. These criteria aim to ensure that the animals receive proper care and maintain high milk production.
Farmers have the option to either pay for animals procured and transported by the department or purchase them directly from the mainland at their own cost and hand them over at a designated sea port for free transportation to the Islands.
The department has circulated the notice to all Gram Panchayat Pradhans, requesting them to inform livestock farmers in their areas. Interested farmers are urged to submit their requirements and willingness to participate in the scheme through their respective Gram Panchayats to facilitate an accurate assessment.
