Bihar Bakri Palan Yojana (Bihar Goat Farming Scheme)
A 50% subsidy — 60% for SC/ST — on setting up a goat-rearing unit of 20 animals, available across all 38 districts of Bihar.
Run by: Animal & Fish Resources Department, Government of Bihar
- General subsidy
- 50% of project cost
- SC/ST subsidy
- 60% of project cost
- Unit size
- 20 goats
- Coverage
- All 38 districts of Bihar
Overview
Goat rearing is the most accessible livestock enterprise for a landless or marginal farmer in Bihar: it needs no irrigated pasture, starts with a small herd and yields returns within months. The Bihar Bakri Palan Yojana gives this a formal subsidy push — 50% of the project cost for a 20-goat unit for General/OBC applicants, raised to 60% for SC/ST applicants.
The scheme runs through the Animal & Fish Resources Department and is active across all 38 districts. Applicants apply at the district Animal Husbandry Office. A standard unit of 20 goats (typically Black Bengal or Sirohi, bred for Bihar's climate) can produce an annual income of roughly ₹2.5 lakh from kid sales and manure. The subsidy covers the cost of animals, shed construction and initial feed. SC/ST beneficiaries, women and BPL households get preference in selection. Applications are processed online through the department's portal, and the subsidy is disbursed via DBT after field verification.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- 50% subsidy on goat-unit setup cost for General and OBC applicants.
- 60% subsidy for SC/ST applicants — a higher rate to widen access.
- Covers animal purchase, shed construction and initial feed.
- A 20-goat unit can generate annual income of roughly ₹2.5 lakh from kid sales.
- Goat rearing needs no irrigated land — viable even for landless households.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Permanent resident of Bihar
- Aged 18 years or above
- Rural area preferred, but not an absolute bar
- BPL, SC/ST and women applicants get priority
- Should not already be receiving subsidy under another goat-rearing scheme from the same department
Not covered
- Government servants
- Applicants already drawing a goat-rearing subsidy from the same department for an existing unit
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST subsidy rate)
- Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
- Land or premises proof for the shed — a rented plot with a lease agreement is also accepted
- Passport-size photograph
- Training certificate from a recognised animal husbandry institution, if available
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Apply at the District Animal Husbandry Office or online
Fill the application form with identity, land and bank details. Online applications are accepted through the department's portal at state.bihar.gov.in/ahd.
- 2
Document verification and selection
The district office verifies documents and inspects the proposed shed site. A selection list is drawn up with priority for SC/ST, women and BPL applicants.
- 3
Set up the unit and receive subsidy
After selection, purchase goats (Black Bengal, Sirohi or another approved breed) and build the shed. On field verification, the subsidy is credited to your bank account via DBT.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- For a rejected application, a delayed subsidy transfer, or a dispute over the subsidy rate, contact the District Animal Husbandry Officer at the district headquarters first.
- Beyond the department, register a grievance at grievance.bihar.gov.in or call the Bihar CM Helpline. Keep the application reference number for tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Which goat breeds are recommended?
Black Bengal and Sirohi are the breeds most suited to Bihar's climate and commonly approved under the scheme. The district office can confirm the approved breed list for your area.
Can a landless person apply?
Yes. A rented plot with a lease agreement for the shed is accepted — you do not need to own the land.
Is the subsidy a loan or a grant?
It is a non-refundable grant — 50% (or 60% for SC/ST) of the project cost, paid directly to your bank account. You do not repay it.
How many goats does a unit need?
The standard subsidised unit is 20 goats. Smaller or larger numbers outside the scheme specification would not qualify for this particular subsidy.
Do women get preference?
Yes. Women applicants, along with SC/ST and BPL households, get priority in the selection process.
Can I combine this with a Kisan Credit Card?
Yes. KCC provides working-capital credit for feed, veterinary care and day-to-day expenses. This scheme covers the setup subsidy. They serve different purposes and can run in parallel.
Is goat-rearing training mandatory?
A training certificate from a recognised animal husbandry institution strengthens the application but is not a hard requirement in every district. The department also organises training camps — check with the district office.
Facts checked against state.bihar.gov.in on 26 September 2026. editorial policy.