Meghalaya Goat Farming Scheme

The Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program, a flagship initiative by the Government of Meghalaya, is designed to engage and empower the youth through entrepreneurship, positioning them as active partners in the state’s development. This program provides comprehensive support to a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including individuals, collectives, village organizations, and traditional institutions, facilitating the establishment and growth of businesses across various sectors. Its primary goal is to foster employment, engagement, and empowerment among the youth of Meghalaya by promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring easy access to credit through collaboration with various banks as financial partners of the program. To mitigate the associated credit risks, the Government offers front-end subsidies in the form of down-payments and back-end subsidies in the form of EMI co-payments. Through this program, entrepreneurs, whether individuals, collectives, village organizations, various business entities, or traditional institutions, gain seamless access to a variety of schemes via a unified online portal. The program encompasses a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and animal husbandry, tourism, entertainment, sports, wellness, and any economically beneficial business ventures for the people of the state.

Download the scheme guidelines

Scheme Details

About

An integral component of the Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program is the Elevate – Goatery scheme. This initiative is designed to uplift the livelihoods of entrepreneurs by promoting goat rearing as a significant economic activity. Key details of this Scheme include:

  1. Credit-Linked scheme: The scheme operates as a credit-linked scheme, closely connected with a partner bank, and is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary.
  2. Economic Growth: The primary objective of this scheme is to contribute to the state’s economic growth by promoting and supporting goat farming.
  3. Financial Assistance: The entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance of 50% of the total project costs including interest. The support provided includes capital assistance and operational support through EMI co-payment.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Entrepreneurs are provided with training and capacity-building resources to assist in the establishment and management of their Goatery units.
  5. Market Access: The scheme facilitates access to market linkages and additional resources to help entrepreneurs effectively sell their goat farming produce.

Aspiring entrepreneurs registered and un-registered entities in Meghalaya can access financial assistance and comprehensive support through the ELEVATE program. This support encompasses:

  • Financial grant and easy credit to the entrepreneurs: The financial support serves as a vital catalyst for entrepreneurs looking to invest in goat rearing.
  • Skill Development and Training: The program offers skill development and training initiatives to enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs.
  • Capacity Building: Entrepreneurs receive capacity-building resources, helping them acquire the skills necessary for successful business management.
  • Mentorship: Mentorship initiatives are available to guide entrepreneurs in their journey towards business success.
  • Market Access: The program facilitates market linkages, enabling entrepreneurs to access broader markets for their products and services.
  • Business Advisory Services: Entrepreneurs benefit from advisory services to make informed decisions in their business ventures.

Meghalaya Goat Farming Development Scheme: 

An integral component of the Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program is the Meghalaya Goat Farming Development Scheme. This initiative is designed to uplift the livelihoods of entrepreneurs by promoting goat rearing as a significant economic activity. Key details of this Scheme include:

  1. Credit-Linked scheme: The scheme operates as a credit-linked scheme, closely connected with a partner bank, and is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary.
  2. Economic Growth: The primary objective of this scheme is to contribute to the state’s economic growth by promoting and supporting goat farming.
  3. Financial Assistance: The entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance of 50% of the total project costs including interest. The support provided includes capital assistance and operational support through EMI co-payment.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Entrepreneurs are provided with training and capacity-building resources to assist in the establishment and management of their Goatery units.
  5. Market Access: The scheme facilitates access to market linkages and additional resources to help entrepreneurs effectively sell their goat farming produce.

Goat rearing holds a significant position in Meghalaya’s economic landscape, and it is an integral part of the Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program. This initiative transcends mere business; it encompasses various facets that profoundly influence the state’s development and nutritional status.

  1. Economic Significance: Goat farming have a scope for a substantial source of income for the population in Meghalaya. It could generate a significant portion of rural employment, particularly for women. Goats are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive on marginal lands, making them an asset for small-scale farmers.
  2. Nutritional Benefits: In addition to economic gains, goat rearing addresses critical nutritional challenges within the state. The Meghalaya Health Department emphasizes that goat meat is a rich source of protein, essential for combating malnutrition and promoting overall health, especially among the state’s residents.
  3. Government Commitment: The inclusion of the Meghalaya Goat Farming Development Scheme within the CM Elevate program reflects the government’s broader commitment to nurturing goat rearing as a significant economic activity. This scheme aligns with the government’s vision to double the GDP of the state, with goat farming expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this objective.
  4. Fostering Entrepreneurial Resilience: Ultimately, the government aims to cultivate a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only sustains local businesses but also substantially contributes to the overall development and prosperity of Meghalaya. Goat rearing, with its economic and nutritional benefits, stands as a crucial pillar in realizing this aspiration.


Objectives

Economic Development: Contribute to the overall economic development of Meghalaya by strengthening the goat farming sector, which could result in a significant impact on the state’s agricultural GDP.

    • Promote Entrepreneurship: Foster entrepreneurship in the goat farming sector to stimulate economic growth and create a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem within the state.
    • Achieve Self-Sufficiency: Increase meat production within the state to attain self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports from other regions, thereby promoting economic independence.
    • Combat Malnutrition: Raise the per capita availability of meat to combat malnutrition and address protein deficiency in the state’s population, thereby improving public health.
    •  Skill Development: Offer comprehensive scope for training and capacity-building to entrepreneurs, enhancing their skills and knowledge in goat production while fostering entrepreneurship.
    • Livelihood Diversification: Encourage entrepreneurs to adopt goat farming as a viable livelihood option, generating employment opportunities, additional income, and contributing to economic development.

Scheme Elevate- Goatery Scheme– 50% financial aid on the project cost to the entrepreneurs, involved in the animal husbandry sector, from the Government of Meghalaya and additional support such as trainings, capacity building programs and market linkage programs.
Who can apply?
  1. Individuals from Meghalaya
  2. Registered entities:  Any group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and so on.
  3. Un-registered entities: Traditional institutions, shelf help groups, producer groups and so on based in Meghalaya

Note: Applications from following shall not be normally considered.

  1. Organizations with any political affiliation
  2. Individuals and their dependents from employees (current/retired and drawing pension) of central and state government, PSUs etc.
  3. Only one person from one family is eligible for obtaining financial assistance for setting up of projects under this Scheme.
Nodal department for the Elevate SchemeDepartment of Planning, Government of Meghalaya
Implementing agency of Elevate- Goatery SchemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
Application procedureOnline application on the CM’s Elevate Scheme Portal


Role of The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department

The department is responsible for making sure that the scheme is implemented effectively and that entrepreneurs are successful. As part of this effort, they need to do the following:

  1. The department will provide technical support to entrepreneurs on goat rearing practices, such as feeding, breeding, and disease prevention. 
  1. The department shall facilitate the supply or guide the entrepreneurs of quality kids and breeding stock to entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their goats. 
  2. The department to organize training programs for entrepreneurs on goat farming to help them improve their skills and knowledge. 
  3. The department will monitor the Goatery sector to identify and address any problems that may arise.
  4. The department will facilitate convergence with other departments and schemes from time to time for the benefit of goat rearing entrepreneurs.

Eligibility

CategoryFormationPrimary CriteriaOther Criteria
Individuals from MeghalayaIndividual entrepreneursMust provide valid government ID proof with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport and so on.
  1. Should possess land, either self-owned or on lease, verified by the competent authority
  2. Should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized Institution, preferably from a Government Institute
  3. Preference for availing loans will be given to entrepreneurs and entities with prior experience of undertaking Goatery.
  4. The entrepreneur must have access to adequate and quality feed for the goats.
  5. The entrepreneur must have a vaccination scheme in place for the goats.
  6. The entrepreneur must have a plan for marketing the goats and their products.
  7. The entrepreneur’s village must be in an area where goat rearing is feasible.
  8. The distance between the entrepreneur’s village and the nearest market must be reasonable.
  9. The entrepreneur should not be a credit defaulter from any bank.
Registered Entities from MeghalayaAny group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) and so on.
  1. Must provide an Incorporation Certificate or a registration certificate whichever is applicable.
  2. At least two members should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized institution, preferably from a government institute.
Unregistered Entities from MeghalayaTraditional institutions, shelf help groups, producer groups and so on.
  1. Eligibility certification from competent government authority like BDO/SDO/Department in case of Producer group from DPMs.
  2. The non-registered entity must have a constitution/bylaws/framework that outline the group’s structure, objectives, and procedures.

Application Process

Entrepreneurs are required to complete the application process and submit all the required documents online on the CM-ELEVATE program portal.

Documents Required

As proof of eligibility, the entrepreneurs are required to provide proof of their eligibility for the scheme by submitting the required documents mentioned below.

IndividualsRegistered EntityUnregistered Entity
  • A valid government photo identity with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport and so on
  • Pan card, if available
  • A copy of the front page of the savings account passbook, if available
  • Incorporation/ Registration Certificate
  • Valid government photo identity with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport etc of the President and the Secretary.
  • GST certificate, if applicable
  • Pan card, if applicable
  • Bank account statement for last 6 months, if applicable
  • Valid government photo identity with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport etc of the President and the Secretary.GST certificate, if applicable
  • Pan card, if applicable
  • Bank account statement for last 6 months, if applicable

Terms and Conditions

  1. A triparted contract shall be signed at the time of sanctioning of the loan by each entrepreneur with the department and bank responsible for Program implementation.
  2. Must attend any training programs whenever provided by the government.
  3. Government of Meghalaya has the right to terminate the contract with entrepreneur if he/she is found not to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract and is found to be engaged in fraudulent /illegal/criminal activities.

Financing Plan

Summary of the financing plan:
The figure below shows the overall summary of the financing of the project.

Financial partners
  1. State Bank of India (SBI)
  2. HDFC Bank
  3. Northeast Small Finance Bank
  4. The Shillong Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.
Credit details – Illustration to understand the payment terms
Loan Amount50% on the total project cost
Loan term5 years
Moratorium period12 months
Annual rate of interestVariable interest rates are applicable for partner banks
Quantum and Nature of Assistance:
  1. Financial Support:

Total down payment will be 50% of the project cost and the remaining 50% will be on credit through a bank loan.

    • 5% of the project cost is to be paid by the entrepreneur to the bank
    • 45% of the project cost will be paid by the Government of Meghalaya to the bank.
  1. EMI support:

To reduce the burden of the operational cost on the entrepreneur in the first two years of business, Government of Meghalaya will support the entrepreneur by paying EMI co-payment equivalent to 5% of the project cost.

  1. Additional support:
    • Guidance in application process through implementing agencies
    • Support in project realization of the business venture under this program
    • Training and capacity building of the entrepreneurs to successfully run their business ventures under this program
 Payment terms
Total project cost₹ 1,00,000
Total Downpayment/upfront50%₹ 50,000
Applicant’s upfront contribution5%₹ 5,000
Govt Upfront contribution45%₹ 45,000
Bank interest10.9%
Loan Term years5
EMI support from GoM5%₹ 5,000

**Annual interest rate may differ at the time of sanction of the loan and prevailing rate of the bank will be applicable.

 

EMI payment
 DownpaymentEMI Monthly
 1-6 months7-12 months13-18 months19-24 months25-36 months37-48 months49-60 months
Applicant’s Contribution₹ 5,000₹ 0₹ 0₹ 1,021₹ 1,021₹ 1,438₹ 1,438₹ 1,438
GoM Contribution₹ 45,000₹ 0₹ 0₹ 417₹ 417₹ 0₹ 0₹ 0
Total₹ 50,000₹ 0₹ 0₹ 1,438₹ 1,438₹ 1,438₹ 1,438₹ 1,438
Financial Aid Disbursement
  1. Down-payment support from the Government of Meghalaya will be transferred to the bank in favour of the entrepreneur within 15 days of receival of request from the bank.
  2. If entrepreneurs fail to produce the relevant documents and deposit the required margin money within the defined period of time of announcement of the results, the allotment will be automatically cancelled and passed on to the Entrepreneurs in the waiting list.
  3. EMI support will be deposited to the loan account of the entrepreneur based on the assessment of the criteria mentioned.
 Application Portal Availability

The portal will be activated at regular intervals to accept applications.

Economic Analysis for the Intervention
Indicators:
The farmer starts with 9 female goats and 1 male goat.
Goats reproduce annually, with each female goat giving birth to 2 kids on average.
Black Bengal variety of the goat is suggested
The average selling price of a goat is Rs 10,000.
The farmer sells some goats each year to butchers.
The farmer also sells goat milk locally.
 Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 
ParticularsDetailsQtyDetailsQtyDetailsQty
Initial number of animals 11 18 Female + 11 Male2927Female +2 Male29
Assuming 2 kids per female goat9 female goats * 2 kids/female goat189Female +9 Male189Female+9Male18
Total goats at the end of Y1/Y2/Y311 (initial) + 18 (new kids)2927Female +20 Male4736Female +11Male47
No of Goats sold in Y1/Y2/Y3   18 14
Remaining   29 33
Revenue  10000*18₹ 1,80,00010000*14₹ 1,80,000
Expenditure     ₹ 25,000
EMI   ₹ 2,042 ₹ 2,042
Net Profit    ₹ 1,77,958 ₹ 1,52,958
Profit Y0+Y1+Y2₹ 3,30,916
Cost-Benefit Analysis
  1. Costs: This includes expenses related to training, financial aid disbursement, program administration, and other operational costs.
  2. Benefits: The benefits encompass increased income generated by participating entrepreneurs, contributions to local and state economies through meat production, and potential reductions in malnutrition.
Economic Impact

Evaluating the economic impact of the program on the local and state economy is crucial. This can include job creation, increased economic activity in the livestock sector, and improved food security due to increased meat production.

Social Impact

In addition to economic factors, the program should also assess its social impact, such as the empowerment of farmers, improved livelihoods, and the potential reduction in malnutrition among entrepreneur households.

Suggestions for maximizing profit in Goatery
  1. Improve Reproductive Performance: Enhance the reproductive performance of female goats by providing them with proper nutrition and a clean environment.
  2. Selective Breeding: Select healthy and fertile male and female goats for breeding to increase the number of offspring per litter. 
  3. Optimize Mating Timing: Ensure mating occurs at the right time by tracking the estrus cycle of female goats.
  4. Manage Ovulation and Fertilization: Provide the goats with the appropriate nutrients to optimize ovulation and fertilization rates. 
  5. Reduce Mortality: Minimize embryonic and fetal mortality by maintaining a clean and healthy living environment for the goats.
  6. Health Monitoring: Regularly monitor the health status of the goat herd through vaccinations and deworming, ensuring a disease-free and productive herd.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated through a three-step process and following which the final list will be declared.

Shortlisting of applications:

Applications will be shortlisted based on the verification of all required documents mentioned above.

Evaluation of the shortlisted applications:
    1. The District level screening committee shall perform the initial screening of the applications based on the authentication of submitted documents and recommend the names to the State level committee. The Screening Committee may also do a physical background verification of the shortlisted applications.
    2. The State level sanction committee headed by senior most Secretary /Commissioner secretary/Secretary of the department will approve the recommendation by the district level committee and the same shall be communicated to the bank.
    3. The bank will take up with the entrepreneurs for the processing of the loan.
Personal interviews:

Personal interviews of the screened entrepreneurs shall be conducted by the committee.

Determining annual target of the Scheme

The annual target of the Scheme will be annually determined by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary in coordination with the nodal departments.

Steps to Access Financial Assistance

  1. Nodal department: Department of Planning, Government of Meghalaya
  2. Implementing Department: Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
  3.  State Level:  Directorate of A.H & Veterinary

State Level CommitteeDistrict Level Committee
  • The department will notify the members of the committee from time to time
  • Representatives from the banks should be part of the committees

Economic Benefit

PARTICULARSAMOUNT (in ₹)
Construction of shed for 10 adult animals & 16 kids **40,000.00
Cost of 9 does @ Rs 5000/doe45,000.00
Cost of 1 buck @ Rs 5000/buck5,000.00
Insurance cost @ 5% per year2,500.00
Miscellaneous cost (feed, transportation, medicines, so on)7,000.00
Contingency costs500.00
TOTAL UNIT COST :1,00,000.00

** In this project, it is envisaged that simple semi-covered pens constructed of locally available materials like rough timber having a CGI sheet as roofing and concrete floor will be constructed. Several pens can be arranged in a row as required.



FAQs

Meghalaya Goat Farming Development Scheme is a credit linked scheme launched by Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department to foster goat rearing as a significant economic activity in the state. Under this financial aid of 50% on the total project cost, training, capacity building, and mentorship is provided to help goat farmers improve their production, boost their income, and address nutritional challenges in the state. The project cost includes construction of shed; buying animals; cost associated with veterinary care and buying feed; and contingency cost.

Meghalaya Goat Farming Development Scheme is one of the 15 other bank linked schemes being launched under the CM-ELEVATE programs.

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department is implementing the scheme at state level.

Any  entity or group of farmers involved with agricultural products and legally registered with the government of Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) etc. 

Any entity or group of farmers such as village organizations, self-help groups, producer groups and any other traditional institutions based in Meghalaya who are not currently registered/incorporated with the government of Meghalaya.

No age limit for the entrepreneurs.

There is no application fee.

Currently the last date of application for the first phase of the scheme is 31st of October 2023.

Entrepreneurs could contact the helpline team through a call or email for any queries related to application process. 

Entrepreneurs can also contact the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer for any clarifications.

The application process will be processed and evaluated through district and state level committees which will be notified by the implementing agency from time to time.

You can send your grievance to the helpline number.

No changes will be applicable after submission. It is advisable that the applicants read and answer each question carefully and all changes should be made before submitting the application.

The scheme is offering 50% financial aid on the total project in the form of 45% as upfront support and remaining 5% as EMI co-payment for twelve months. The upfront contribution will be provided to the entrepreneurs in three instalments based on achieving various milestones of the project such as buying raw materials for shed construction, completion of shed construction and  buying animals.

You can receive 50% of the total project cost to start a piggery farm.

You can choose any of the partnered banks under the scheme based on your convenience and ease. The banks which are currently part of the scheme are Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB), State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and Northeast Small Finance Bank.

The repayment period with 5 years inclusive of 12 months of moratorium period. 

Interest rates may vary depending on the bank you choose for credit support. You should inquire with the selected bank for specific interest rate details.

No, currently there are no pre-closure penalties for the loan.

The subsidy is disbursed to the entrepreneurs through financing partners under the scheme.

Trainings may be provided and the same will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

Yes, training provided by the Implementing Agency will be mandatory. 

Training locations will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

No, there is no fee associated with trainings provided by the implanting agency.

Duration of the trainings will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

You are requested to contact PRIME Hub or District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer to inform about any challenges being faced at any stage of the project for any guidance and requirements.

Eligibility:

  1. Individuals from Meghalaya
  2. Any farmer’s association/group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) etc.
  3. Any unregistered entity such as village organizations, self-help groups, producer groups and any other traditional institutions etc.  based in Meghalaya can apply

Non-permanent residents of Meghalaya are not eligible to apply.

Applications from following shall not be ordinarily considered

  • Pressure groups  and organizations that are primarily political in nature
  • Government employees (currently employed or retired and drawing pension) and their dependents.
  1. Permanent residents of Meghalaya are eligible for the scheme
  2. Should possess land, either self-owned or on lease, verified by the competent authority 
  3. Should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized Institution, preferably from a Government Institute 
  4. Preference for availing loans will be given to entrepreneurs and entities with prior experience of undertaking piggery
  5. The entrepreneur must have access to adequate and quality feed for the pigs
  6. The entrepreneur must have a vaccination Scheme in place for the pigs.
  7. The entrepreneur must have a plan for marketing the pigs and their products
  8. The entrepreneur ‘s village must be in an area where pig rearing is feasible.
  9. The distance between the entrepreneur’s village and the nearest market must be reasonable
  10. Must provide valid government ID proof with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport etc.
  11. Shall be eligible for loan and shall not be a credit defaulter from any bank.
  1. A valid photo identity with address which includes Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport and driving license. 
  2. Aadhar card and Aadhar linkage with the bank is mandatory to receive the benefits of annual rate of interest subvention up to 3% on the purchase of refrigerated trucks.
  3. A letter of certification needs to be provided from the Block Development Officer (BDO) to support the claim for involvement in agriculture sector
  4. Pan card (Optional)
  5. Latest bank statement of 1 year (Optional)
  6. Trade license wherever, if available
  7. GST certificate and proof of return,  if available
  8. Any other document as specified by the department and financing bank.
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Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, 

Departments

  • Tourism Department
  • Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
  • Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
  • Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, MBMA

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Call Our Helpline: 1971 or 18002456851

Mail us at: help@cmelevate.in

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