Government offers up to ₹50 lakh to boost donkey, horse and camel rearing

India’s government is offering major financial support — up to ₹50 lakh — to encourage people to start donkey, horse, and camel rearing under the National Livestock Mission.

The move comes after a steep decline in donkey populations across the country. According to official data, donkey numbers have fallen by nearly 60% in recent years, raising concerns among livestock experts and rural development planners.

In simple terms: the government wants more people to raise working animals again.

Under the scheme, individuals, entrepreneurs, farmer groups, and startups involved in livestock breeding can receive financial assistance to set up modern rearing units. These animals are still used in several sectors including rural transport, brick kilns, tourism, and traditional agriculture in certain regions.

Why this matters: declining livestock diversity can disrupt rural livelihoods and traditional supply chains that depend on pack animals. Reviving these populations is being seen as both an economic and ecological step.

Subtle system angle: while modern mechanisation has reduced dependence on working animals, some rural economies still rely on them — and rebuilding those populations requires financial incentives.