- Provides a free milch cow to eligible rural women to support dairy-based livelihoods.
- Helps form and strengthen village-level milk cooperative societies.
- Boosts the state’s overall milk production and supports the cooperative dairy network.
- Gives women a regular, ongoing income source through the sale of milk.
- Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Phone Number: 044-24321070
- TN Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Email: anh.tn@nic.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Tamil Nadu Milch Cow Free Distribution Scheme |
| Launch Year | 2011 |
| Benefits | Free distribution of milch cows |
| Beneficiary | Eligible rural women in Tamil Nadu |
| Nodal Agency | Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Offline |
Tamil Nadu Milch Cow Free Distribution Scheme: Benefits, Eligibility and How to Apply
The Tamil Nadu Milch Cow Free Distribution Scheme helps eligible rural women earn a regular income from dairy farming. The government gives milch cows free of cost so that beneficiaries can sell milk, support their families and improve their finances. The Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department is the nodal agency.
Latest Update: Scheme Revived for 2026-27
The scheme was first introduced in 2011-12 to improve rural livelihoods and raise milk production. The government has now announced its revival for the 2026-27 financial year.
- ₹57 crore allocated in the 2026-27 budget
- 10,000 eligible rural women to receive a free cow every year
- Average allocation of ₹57,000 per beneficiary, which covers the cow, insurance, transport and related support
The same Budget also introduced the Tamil Nadu Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme, which gives five goats or sheep free to destitute widows, deserted women, transgender persons and persons with disabilities.
The government has not yet confirmed the updated eligibility rules, documents or application process for 2026-27. The details below are based on the previous guidelines.
Key Benefits
- A free milch cow for eligible rural women
- A regular income source through the sale of milk
- Support for village-level milk cooperative societies
- Higher milk production across Tamil Nadu and a stronger cooperative dairy network
- Better financial condition for rural women and their families
Who Is Eligible? (Previous Guidelines)
- Permanent resident of the concerned Village Panchayat
- Below 60 years of age
- Household owns no more than 1 acre of land
- Does not already own any cows or buffaloes
- Not an employee of the Central or State Government, an organisation or cooperative, or a local body member (the earlier rules extended this to specified family members)
- Has not received benefits under the Tamil Nadu Free Distribution of Goats/Sheep Scheme
Priority and reservation:
- Women-headed households get priority, especially widows, destitute women and women with disabilities
- Eligible transgender residents of the village may also be considered
- At least 30% of beneficiaries in a Village Panchayat must be from SC and ST communities (29% SC and 1% ST)
Documents You May Need
These are based on the earlier guidelines, not a confirmed 2026-27 list:
- Aadhaar card or other accepted identity proof
- Residence proof showing permanent residence in the Village Panchayat
- Age proof
- Land ownership details
- Community certificate, if required
- Documents supporting a priority claim, such as widowhood or disability certificates
How to Apply (Based on Previous Process)
The earlier process was offline and village-based. Similar steps may apply when applications open:
- Check with your Village Panchayat whether your village is covered.
- Attend the special Gram Sabha meeting that explains the scheme and eligibility.
- Submit your application to a Village Level Committee member or directly to the Village Panchayat, within the prescribed period (previously one additional week after the Gram Sabha).
- The Village Level Committee scrutinises applications and verifies eligibility.
- The Gram Sabha reviews and approves the final beneficiary list.
- The approved list is displayed on the Panchayat notice board and other prominent places.
Wait for the government’s official announcement before applying.
Related Scheme
If you want a loan instead of a free cow, the Tamil Nadu Milch Animal Loan Scheme, run by TABCEDCO, offers loans of up to ₹1.20 lakh at 7% interest for buying milch animals, for eligible BC, MBC and DNC families.
Contact
- Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services: 044-24321070
- Email: anh.tn@nic.in