Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 August 2025
In a significant move to improve animal healthcare across the country, the Government of India has introduced the Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras scheme under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program. These medicine stores will provide affordable, generic veterinary drugs to livestock owners, making quality animal medicines accessible in rural and remote regions while reducing treatment costs for farmers.
The Kendras can be established by registered Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) and Cooperative Societies. Applicants must have at least 120 square feet of space (owned or rented), employ a registered pharmacist holding a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree, and possess a drug sale license issued by the State Drug Control Authority. The scheme allows only one Kendra per revenue block, prioritizing areas with large livestock populations.
To encourage participation, the government is offering strong financial incentives. Store operators will earn a 20% margin on the selling price (excluding tax) of each medicine sold. Additionally, Kendras opened in this Union Territory will receive a one-time incentive of Rs. 1.5 lakh. A monthly incentive of up to Rs. 20,000 is also available based on stock maintenance and sales volume.
Only medicines supplied by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) will be allowed for sale at these centres. All transactions must be processed through the official Point-of-Sale (PoS) system. Besides veterinary medicines, ethno-veterinary products and certified animal feeds can also be retailed.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Cooperation, and PMBI. Interested applicants are required to apply online through the Department’s portal and pay a nominal fee of Rs. 5,000, which is waived for stores located in aspirational areas.
This scheme not only aims to ease veterinary costs for farmers but also promotes employment and entrepreneurship through cooperative societies and rural retail outlets. Farmers and entrepreneurs associated with PM-KSKs or cooperatives are encouraged to apply and contribute to strengthening animal health in their communities.
