'JICA examining Rs 7,000 cr support to Indian dairy coops'

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is examining a proposal of about Rs 7,000 crore to support dairy cooperatives for modernisation of processing facilities, the government said today.
Animal Husbandary Secretary Devendra Chaudhry today chaired a meeting comprising senior officials from IDBI, NABARD and NCDC for finding a way out for an estimated funding of Rs 10,000 crore or more in animal husbandary sector, including dairy and fisheries.
Chaudhry said a number of funding agencies are to be identified for bridging the gap between usual plan resources and total fund requirement.
"He informed that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) separately examining a proposal of an amount of about Rs 7,000 crore for support to cooperatives for upgradation and modernization dairy milk processing and chilling facilities of about 14.4 MT," an official statement said.

The secretary said it is imperative that all the sectors of animal husbandry, including dairy and fisheries etc needs to be promoted aggressively not only for better return but also for ensuring gainful employment and nutritional needs of the people.
He underscored that an amount of Re 1 invested in animal husbandry activities provides return of Rs 3 whereas from the agriculture Re 0.7 is the return.
"It was emphasised that as to how the other agencies like NABARD, IDBI, NCDC can facilitate priority lending sector funding to the animal husbandry activities and on the beneficial terms to entrepreneurs including cooperatives and small and marginal farmers," the statement said.

Chaudhry said the animal husbandry can be the effective tools for enhancing and doubling the income of the farmers.