The Centre has identified 22 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G) to strengthen fodder security, develop community pastures and improve livestock-related infrastructure across rural India.
The Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) have jointly issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, encouraging them to integrate fodder development and livestock-supportive infrastructure into rural employment and asset creation programmes.
The initiative aims to address fodder shortages and strengthen livestock-based livelihoods, particularly for small and marginal farmers and landless households dependent on dairy and animal husbandry activities.
The VB–G RAM G Act, which came into force on 1 July 2026, guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household and provides for the creation of durable assets across four thematic areas, including livelihood-related infrastructure and mitigation of extreme weather events.
22 Works Cover Fodder, Pastures and Livestock Infrastructure
The advisory identifies 22 relevant activities from the 375 permissible works under the Act. These include fodder cultivation for individual households and communities, development of community fodder resources, grazing lands and silvipasture, and construction of fodder banks, storage facilities and silage units.
Other identified activities include construction, repair and maintenance of livestock shelters for cattle, goats, pigs and poultry, community milk collection centres, veterinary health centres and animal watering troughs. Construction of Azolla tanks for individual beneficiaries is also included.
These interventions are intended to improve fodder availability, strengthen livestock infrastructure and support sustainable livestock-based livelihoods.
States Encouraged to Allocate 5% of Programme Expenditure
The advisory encourages States and Union Territories to progressively increase expenditure on fodder development and livestock-supportive works towards at least 5% of total programme expenditure, wherever justified by local requirements, approved plans and applicable guidelines.
It also calls for a need-based saturation approach to identify households and communities requiring such infrastructure. Particular attention may be given to Gram Panchayats where more than 30% of the population is dependent on livestock.
Planning will be decentralised and led by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), with these activities incorporated into Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) and approved through the Gram Sabha.
State-specific Fodder Resource Development Plans prepared by the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) may guide planning at district and block levels. The advisory also encourages climate-resilient interventions, including perennial grasses, suitable fodder varieties and integrated crop–livestock systems.
States Asked to Prepare Action Plans
The Centre has called for comprehensive State Action Plans through coordination among the departments of Rural Development, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture and other relevant sectors. The advisory also reiterates statutory safeguards, including compulsory social audits, weekly public disclosure, grievance redressal and compliance with the district-level ceiling of 40% on the material component. Selection of individual beneficiaries must follow the provisions of Schedule I of the Act.