In a recent order, the state Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi referred to a Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences` report which observed that most beneficiaries of were first time animal owners and skills on animal rearing were imparted to them to maximise production and productivity.
DAHVS has recommended these awards to encourage the beneficiaries to follow good management practices to rear the goats/sheep and milch cows, Bedi said.
Ten prizes for best maintained milch cows in each district, 15 prizes for best maintained goats/sheeps in each district and merit certificates to five committed veterinary Assistant Surgeons in each districts who have taken special efforts at motivating owners under the schemes will be awarded, he said.
A total estimated cost of Rs 3.99 lakh and Rs 6.045 lakh for prizes in milch cows and sheeps/goats categories respectively will be realised from the available contingency fund under the scheme.
Milch cow owners who stand first, second and third will get prizes worth Rs 5000, Rs 4000 and Rs 3000 respectively, while seven others will get a consolation prize worth Rs 1000.
However, to make the idea realise its intention to the fullest, prizes will be given in the form of concentrate feed procured from the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers` Federation under the brand of `Aavin.`
Funds for the same will be transferred to respective District Milk Producers Unions and Aavin will adjust the funds towards supply of concentrate feed on a daily basis,he said.
The scheme of distributing these animals was launched by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on September 15 last year.
The state government had earlier issued orders for distributing goats/sheeps to over seven lakh landless poor families and milch cows to over 60,000 needy families living in the rural areas over a period of five years.