New Delhi: FAHD Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala launched the Nationwide AHDF KCC campaign through virtual mode as part of the Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahostav. This department, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), is organising a “National AHDF KCC Campaign” from November 15, 2021 to February 15, 2022, in order to extend the Kisan Credit Card benefit to all eligible animal husbandry, dairy, and fishery farmers in the country. States received a circular on 10.11.2021, outlining the precise requirements for organising this campaign. D/o Financial Services has also provided the required orders to banks and the state government.

The livestock sector is critical to India’s economy today, accounting for one-third of the agriculture and allied sector’s GVA and growing at an annual rate of over 8%. Simultaneously, animal husbandry, dairying, and fishing operations contribute significantly to farmer income, particularly among landless, small, and marginal farmers, and women, as well as supplying affordable and healthy food to millions of people. 

Last year, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, held a Special Drive from June 1 to December 31, 2020, to provide AHDF KCC to eligible dairy farmers of Milk Cooperatives and Milk Producer Companies. As a result, nearly 14 lakh new AHDF KCCs have been approved.