Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced several measures to strengthen the dairy and animal husbandry sector in the 2026-27 state budget.
The announcements focus on increasing milk production, improving livestock health services and promoting breed development.
The sector is considered an important pillar of the rural economy in Karnataka.
Key announcements for the animal husbandry sector:
At the beginning of the government's tenure, about 81.78 lakh litres of milk were procured daily from 8.75 lakh milk producers. At present, the average daily collection has increased to one crore litres from 9.07 lakh producers. The government has provided Rs 4,523 crore as incentives to milk suppliers so far, including Rs 609 crore in pending incentive payments.
Under the Anugraha scheme, compensation for the accidental death of sheep, goats and cattle has been increased. So far, Rs 101 crore has been distributed to 1.70 lakh beneficiaries.
The government has implemented the Karnataka Traditional Nomadic Shepherds (Welfare Measures and Protection Against Atrocities) Act, 2025. Identity cards have been issued to 6,702 shepherds so far.
Since the present government came to power, steps have been taken to construct new buildings for 300 veterinary institutions. In 2026-27, another 100 buildings will be constructed with the support of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
To promote sheep and goat rearing in the Belagavi and Kalaburagi divisions, a scheme will be introduced to establish sheep and goat units with 25 per cent subsidy for 10,000 beneficiaries. Similarly, 10,000 beneficiaries will receive incentives with 25 per cent subsidy to purchase cows or buffaloes to encourage dairy farming. A total of Rs 40 crore has been allocated for these schemes in the current financial year.
To expand specialised veterinary services, 20 taluk veterinary hospitals have been upgraded to polyclinics. In the current year, 15 more taluk veterinary hospitals will be upgraded to polyclinics at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
A Boer goat breeding centre will be established in Mysuru to improve local goat breeds. The Bandur sheep breeding centre in Kampalapura of Periyapatna taluk will also be comprehensively developed.
To address livestock breeding issues, 'Phaladhare' camps will be organised in 1,000 gram panchayats under the slogan "One calf per year", with a budget allocation of Rs 5 crore.
To improve disease diagnosis in animals, CT scanning centres for livestock will be set up for the first time in the state at veterinary hospitals attached to veterinary colleges in Bengaluru and Bidar.
To address the issue of stray dogs, Dog Birth Control Training Centres will be established in Bengaluru and Bidar to provide advanced technical training to veterinarians and veterinary students for scientific sterilisation programmes.