Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme: 5 Goats at 100% Subsidy for Women in Rural Tamil Nadu
For a widow or a woman raising a family alone in a village, a small steady income can change everything. The Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme is built around this idea. Announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget on 5 August 2026, it gives eligible people five goats or sheep at 100% subsidy, so they can begin earning from livestock.
The government has allocated ₹110 crore and expects about 30,000 people to benefit. This is a livelihood scheme and not a one-time cash payment, so it is worth understanding what the work involves before you apply.
Key scheme details
- What you get: five goats or sheep
- Subsidy: 100%
- Budget: ₹110 crore
- Expected beneficiaries: about 30,000
- Where: rural areas of Tamil Nadu
- Department: Animal Husbandry Department
Who is the scheme for?
The Budget announcement names four groups in rural areas:
- Destitute widows
- Deserted women
- Transgender persons
- Persons with disabilities
Tamil Nadu has run a similar scheme before, where selected rural poor widows and destitute women received five goats or sheep, with a set number of beneficiaries per block. The new scheme's final selection rules are the ones that will apply, so ask your local office how many people will be chosen in your area.
How to apply for the goat scheme
Follow the announcement from your District Collector or the Animal Husbandry Department. Meanwhile, you can take these steps:
- Visit your Village Panchayat office or the nearest government veterinary dispensary and ask about the scheme.
- Keep your documents ready so you can apply quickly when the process opens.
- Ask whether a Grama Sabha or local committee will select beneficiaries.
- Keep a copy of anything you submit, along with any acknowledgement you receive.
Documents to keep ready
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Community certificate
- Widow, deserted woman or disability certificate, as applicable
- Income certificate
- Bank passbook
- Passport-size photos
Is goat rearing right for you?
Getting the goats is the start of the work. Before you apply, think about these points:
- Shelter: Goats need a dry, raised and airy place, safe from rain and stray dogs.
- Feed and water: Grazing land helps, but goats also need clean water and extra feed at times.
- Health care: Vaccination and deworming prevent many losses. Your veterinary dispensary can advise you on the schedule.
- Time: Someone has to look after the animals every day.
- Selling: Find out where goats are sold nearby and what prices are like, so that you are not forced to sell cheaply.
If you are new to this, ask an experienced goat farmer in your village or a Veterinary University Training and Research Centre about training.
Goat scheme or milch cow scheme?
The same Budget announced free milch cows for 10,000 eligible women each year, with ₹57 crore allocated. Goats usually need less space and feed than a cow, while a cow gives daily milk income if you have the means to care for it. These are separate schemes, so check the rules for each.
Common questions
Do I have to repay any money? The announcement describes a 100% subsidy, so the goats themselves should not need repayment.
Can a man apply? The named groups include transgender persons and persons with disabilities. Other groups are described as women, so check the guidelines.
Can I sell the goats immediately? Earlier schemes of this kind had rules to protect the livelihood purpose. Check before you sell.
Official links and sources
Last checked: 3 November 2026.