What is the AHIDF Scheme?
India's animal husbandry sector is evolving rapidly. To support this growth, the Government of India introduced the AHIDF Scheme – a landmark initiative to create modern infrastructure in dairy, meat processing, feed manufacturing, and related sectors.
The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) offers loan + subsidy support to eligible entities, including startups, MSMEs, FPOs, and private companies. If you want to start a dairy plant, animal feed unit, meat processing unit, or any allied infrastructure, this scheme can be a game-changer.
Key Highlight: AHIDF helps entrepreneurs, FPOs, startups, and MSMEs build profitable animal husbandry infrastructure with cheaper loans and government-backed support.
AHIDF Scheme Full Form
AHIDF = Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
It is a government-backed financing facility under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying to promote private investment in livestock infrastructure.
AHIDF Scheme Focus Areas
The scheme covers the following project categories:
Dairy Processing & Value Addition
- Ice Cream plants
- Cheese manufacturing units
- Tetra pack UHT milk processing
- Milk powder / whey powder units
- Flavoured milk units
- Paneer / yogurt / value-added dairy products
Animal Feed Manufacturing
- Mini / Medium / Large Feed Plants
- TMR (Total Mixed Ration) Blocks
- Bypass Protein Units
Meat Processing & Cold Chain
- Slaughterhouses
- Modern meat processing plants
- Export-oriented processing units
- Value-added meat products
- Refrigeration & cold chain
Veterinary & Biologicals
- Vaccine manufacturing units
- Health products
- Biologicals
Need help selecting the right project?
Our team can guide you step-by-step to choose the most suitable project under AHIDF.
AHIDF Scheme Eligibility
The following entities are eligible to apply for AHIDF:
| Eligible Entity | Eligible Under AHIDF |
|---|---|
| Individual Entrepreneurs | |
| Startups | |
| Private Companies | |
| Section 8 Companies | |
| MSMEs | |
| Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) |
✅ If you fall under any of the above groups—you are eligible to apply.
AHIDF Scheme Benefits & Subsidy Breakdown
| Scheme Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Coverage | Up to 90% of Project Cost |
| Beneficiary Contribution | 10% (Micro Small Units), 15% (Medium) |
| Interest Subvention | 3% (up to 8 years) |
| Credit Guarantee | 25% guarantee through NABARD |
| Repayment Tenure | 8 Years |
| Moratorium | 2 Years on principal |
AHIDF Subsidy Explained
The scheme does not provide a direct grant subsidy, but instead offers:
- 3% interest subvention
- 25% credit guarantee cover
- Reduced down payment
- Soft loan support
Example Calculation:
On a ₹5 crore dairy plant loan, the interest savings due to AHIDF can exceed ₹40–60 lakhs over the tenure.
AHIDF Required Documents
Project Documents
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Machinery layout & process flow
- Project viability & financial projections
- SWOT analysis
- Clear land title / lease agreement
- Business plan & implementation strategy
- Pollution & FSSAI permissions
Applicant Documents
- Aadhaar + PAN
- Incorporation Certificate / Partnership Deed
- Udyam Registration (if MSME)
- Previous 3 years audited accounts
- IT Returns
- 6 months bank statements
- Promoter CV & Qualification Certificates
- Photographs
💡 Don't know how to prepare DPR or documents?
We help entrepreneurs draft ready-to-submit AHIDF applications.
How to Apply for AHIDF Scheme
Follow this step-by-step process to apply for AHIDF:
Check Eligibility & Project Type
Verify if your project falls under eligible categories
Prepare DPR & Financial Model
Create detailed project report with financial projections
Register on AHIDF Portal
Create account on official AHIDF application portal
Upload Documents & Submit Application
Fill application form and upload all required documents
Department Screening
Department reviews and validates your application
Forwarding to Bank / FI
Approved applications are sent to lending institutions
Bank Appraisal
Bank conducts technical and financial appraisal
Loan Sanction & Interest Subvention Approval
Final loan sanction with AHIDF benefits
Want to speed up your AHIDF loan approval?
Our consultancy handles the entire application process for you—from DPR preparation to loan sanction.
Which Banks Provide AHIDF Loans?
Sample AHIDF Loan Calculation
| Project Cost | ₹5,00,00,000 |
| Loan (90%) | ₹4,50,00,000 |
| Interest Rate | 9% |
| Interest Subvention | 3% |
| Net Interest Payable | ~6% |
| Moratorium | 2 years |
| Tenure | 8 years |
| Estimated Savings | ₹50,00,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the AHIDF scheme?
FPOs, Private Companies, MSMEs, Startups, Section 8 Companies, and Individual entrepreneurs.
What subsidy is available under AHIDF?
Subsidy = 3% interest subvention + credit guarantee coverage + reduced margin contribution.
Is collateral required under AHIDF?
Not mandatory for all applicants. MSMEs can avail 25% credit guarantee support via NABARD.
What projects are covered?
Dairy plants, ice cream units, feed plants, meat processing units, veterinary vaccine units, fodder plants, by-product conversion units.
Can individuals apply for AHIDF?
Yes. Individual entrepreneurs and startups are eligible.
Ready to Apply for AHIDF Scheme?
The AHIDF Scheme is one of India's most powerful financing programs for dairy, meat, feed, and animal husbandry infrastructure. Don't miss this opportunity to build high-growth agribusinesses with minimized financial burden.
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💬 Want to apply under the AHIDF scheme but don't know where to start? Just send us a message and we'll guide you from Day 1 to loan sanction—end-to-end.