Chennai, Oct 28 : The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 57 crore for the 2026-27 financial year to distribute free milch cows to 10,000 eligible rural women under a scheme aimed at improving livelihoods and increasing milk production.
The initiative was announced in the state budget for 2026-27. It seeks to provide rural women with a sustainable source of income while strengthening the state’s dairy sector.
According to a government circular, Tamil Nadu aims to increase milk production and support the economic empowerment of rural women by distributing 10,000 milch cows every year.
A senior government official said the scheme would help beneficiaries earn a regular income through dairy farming. It is also expected to strengthen dairy cooperatives, promote scientific dairy farming practices and improve animal husbandry management.
Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary will receive a healthy, high-yielding crossbred milch cow capable of producing at least eight litres of milk per day.
The government expects the initiative to create long-term economic benefits for rural families. With proper veterinary care and scientific management, each cow is expected to calve three to four times over five years.
The scheme is also intended to improve household nutritional security and help women achieve greater financial independence. By supporting small-scale dairy farming, the state government aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and boost overall milk production in Tamil Nadu.
