Support for Tribal Livestock Farmers

**Applications Invited for Poultry Units and Bijju Bucks Distribution Under Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana**

Udaipur, The government is committed to providing economic support to livestock farmers from tribal communities. As part of this initiative, applications are being invited for the distribution of poultry units and Bijju bucks to livestock farmers in 265 selected revenue villages in Udaipur and Salumber districts under the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for the year 2022-23. This scheme aims to advance the economic development of the tribal community.

**Overview of Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana**

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has revamped the existing Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) as the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) for implementation from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The objective is to transform villages with significant tribal populations into model villages (Adi Adarsh Grams), covering a population of 4.22 crore (approximately 40% of the total tribal population). The scheme aims to cover 36,428 villages with at least 50% Scheduled Tribe population and a minimum of 500 Scheduled Tribe members in each village across states/UTs. The primary goal is the integrated socio-economic development of the selected villages.

**Selection of Villages in Udaipur and Salumber**

Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. Sharad Arora, explained that under the scheme, 180 villages in Udaipur district and 85 villages in Salumber district, totaling 265 villages, have been selected for the distribution of poultry units and Bijju buck units. In 75 villages, 12 poultry units (each unit consisting of 22 chicks) will be distributed per village, and in 190 villages, 16 poultry units per village will be distributed. Additionally, each of the 265 villages will receive three Bijju buck units (one buck per unit). Interested beneficiaries/livestock farmers from the selected revenue villages can submit their applications along with the required documents to the nearest veterinary institution within seven days.

**Eligibility Criteria for Applications**

Dr. Arora stated that livestock farmers from the tribal community in the selected revenue villages are eligible to apply. The applicant's age should be between 18 and 60 years, and they must have completed at least the fifth grade. Only one beneficiary per family will be selected, regardless of separate ration cards or Jan Aadhar cards. Applicants must attach their Aadhar card and relevant documents for widow/disabled/low-income categories, landless or small farmers. Priority will be given to widows, disabled, and landless applicants from the tribal community upon submission of necessary documents. If applications from economically weaker sections, small farmers, and other tribal categories exceed the approved activities, selection will be made through a lottery system. Applicants for the Bijju buck distribution must already own goats, and those applying for the poultry unit must already have poultry. Interested applicants can apply in only one category (either Bijju buck distribution or poultry unit distribution). The lists of selected beneficiaries must be approved by the Sarpanch/representative of the respective Gram Panchayat.