Second phase of sheep distribution scheme launched in Telangana

Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Wednesday launched the second phase of the subsidised sheep distribution programme on a grand scale at Jammikunta in Huzurabad Assembly constituency.

Srinivas Yadav along with Welfare Minister Koppula Eashwar distributed sheep to beneficiaries at a programme held at the new agriculture market, Jammikunta. Out of 4,000 people eligible for the scheme in Huzurabad constituency, 500 units (12,000 sheep) were distributed to beneficiaries on the day of launching of the scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Srinivas Yadav said sheep units would be provided to every eligible shepherd above the age of 18 years under the scheme across the State. “The State government has taken up the second phase of the sheep distribution programme with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore,” he said.

“In the first phase, 80 lakh units were distributed incurring an expenditure of Rs 6,070 crore. Subsequently, the sheep population in the State rose to 1.30 lakh. With this, the State has taken the number one position in sheep population in the country,” he said, adding



that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, when informed about the increase of unit cost and transportation charges, immediately enhanced the unit cost to Rs 1.75 lakh from Rs 1.25 lakh.

Talking about the shepherd community, the Minister said that no government in 74 years of independence had thought about the welfare of the community. Political leaders used to treat the community as a vote bank and forget them after the completion of elections, he said.

However, the shepherd community got independence when Chandrashekhar Rao became Chief Minister, he said, adding that though nobody asked for the welfare of the community, the Chief Minister launched the sheep distribution scheme and sanctioned ambulances to provide treatment to sick sheep.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Kanumalla Vijaya, MLC A Mallesham, Warangal MLA Nannapanani Narender, Animal Husbandry Principal Secretary Anitha Rao, District Collector RV Karnan,  Animal Husbandray Additional Director Ramchander, Jammikunta Municipal Chairman Rajeshwar Rao and others particiapted in the programme.