Integrated Sheep Development Scheme

Integrated Sheep Development Scheme is a state-led scheme of Jammu and Kashmir that helps citizens earn income by setting up sheep and goat units. It supports individuals, groups, and cooperatives through subsidies and a participatory model, and it works to improve wool and meat production across the Union Territory.

The scheme continues under revised operational guidelines for 2025-30, issued by the Agriculture Production Department on 11 July 2025. These guidelines stay in effect until 31 March 2030, and applications are now submitted online through the Kisan Sathi Portal.

Integrated Sheep Development Scheme - Introduction

Integrated Sheep Development Scheme was launched in 2020-21 by the Jammu and Kashmir government to promote local income generation through the establishment of sheep and goat units. The scheme runs in a self-sustaining way, where fresh units are created using livestock retrieved from earlier beneficiaries. The Sheep Husbandry Department carries out the implementation, and the concerned Director monitors it.

The scheme supports three main activities:

• Establishment of sheep or goat units on subsidy mode, ranging from 20 to 200 ewes or does, in multiples of 20.
• Establishment of professional shearing units with a shearing machine, generator, and maintenance spares.
• Establishment of sheep or goat units on participatory mode, comprising 10 ewes or does, meant for poor families.

Any individual, group of individuals, self-help group, cooperative society, or farmers' producer organization can apply. The department gives priority to covering 20% SC/ST and 10% women applicants. Beneficiaries must have basic infrastructure and adequate grazing land to maintain their units. The scheme aims to create income opportunities for around 2,400 people while improving the quality of local crossbred sheep.

Key Information

Benefits

The scheme offers help through two main models. Under the subsidy mode, you can claim a 50% subsidy on the unit cost for setting up a unit of 20 to 200 ewes or does, in multiples of 20. The subsidy is capped at ₹1,00,000 per unit of 20 animals, with a total ceiling of ₹10,00,000 for 200 animals.

Starting from the financial year 2025-26, the subsidy is released in three phases over two years. Phase 1 gives 50% of the subsidy at establishment, Phase 2 gives 25% after the first lambing, and Phase 3 gives 25% after the second lambing. This phased model encourages responsible ownership and helps the units stay viable over the long term.

Under the participatory mode, you receive 10 ewes or does free of cost. From the 3rd year onwards, you return 2 ewes or does per year for the next 5 years so that fresh units can be set up from the retrieved livestock. This mode is now meant only for BPL, EWS, AAY, physically handicapped, widows, and orphan families.

For shearing units, you can claim a 50% subsidy, up to ₹75,000 per unit, to buy a shearing machine, generator, and maintenance spares. You must be trained in mechanical sheep shearing or be willing to undergo the training.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you belong to any of these groups: individuals, groups of individuals, self-help groups, cooperative societies, or farmers' producer organizations. For the participatory mode, you must belong to BPL, EWS, AAY, physically handicapped, widow, or orphan categories.

Beneficiaries must be between 18 and 55 years of age. They need basic infrastructure, fodder or grazing avenues, and manpower to run the farm in an organized way. A beneficiary family that has already availed the benefit of the scheme once is not entitled to apply again.

Application Process

Applications are now submitted online only through the Kisan Sathi Portal. The District Level Committee selects beneficiaries on a first-come, first-served basis after checking all required documents.

STEP 1 - Go to the Kisan Sathi Portal and register with your basic details.

STEP 2 - Fill in the application form for Integrated Sheep Development Scheme and choose your component, such as subsidy mode, shearing unit, or participatory mode.

STEP 3 - Upload the required documents, including proof of identity, land records, and the relevant annexure forms, and submit the application online.

STEP 4 - The District Level Committee verifies the application and selects beneficiaries on a first-come, first-served basis. The subsidy is released through DBT in three phases as per the milestones.

Documents

Make sure you prepare the following documents before submitting the application:

• Proof of identity, such as Voters ID, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, or Aadhaar Card.
• Proof of address, such as Electricity Bill, Voters ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card, or Ration Card.
• Income proof certificate and Revenue Department land holding records.
• Photograph of the livestock shed, attested by a PRI member.
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/BPL/AAY/EWS), if applicable, and a copy of the bank passbook.
• Required annexure forms, including Annexure B for participatory mode and the affidavit attested by a First Class Magistrate.

References

For more details, refer to the official Revised Operational Guidelines 2025-30 or the official Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir website.

FAQ's

When was the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme launched?

The scheme was launched during the 2020-21 financial year and continues under revised operational guidelines for 2025-30.

Which department oversees this scheme?

The Sheep Husbandry Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government implements this scheme, and it is monitored by the concerned Director.

How is the application submitted now?

Applications are now submitted online only through the Kisan Sathi Portal. The District Level Committee selects beneficiaries on a first-come, first-served basis.

How is the subsidy paid?

Starting from 2025-26, the subsidy is released in three phases over two years: 50% at establishment, 25% after the first lambing, and 25% after the second lambing.

Who can apply under the participatory mode?

The participatory mode is now meant only for BPL, EWS, AAY, physically handicapped, widow, and orphan families, and it provides 10 ewes or does free of cost.

What is the age limit for beneficiaries?

Beneficiaries must be between 18 and 55 years of age to apply for the scheme.