The initiative

India's Central Government is pursuing agricultural status classification for poultry, fisheries, and animal husbandry sectors. "Millions of people across India are involved in poultry, fisheries, and animal husbandry, including a large number of women workers."

Maharashtra's model benefits

• Electricity rates — Agricultural tariffs instead of commercial rates
• Tax relief — Local body taxes at agricultural rates
• Financial access — Easier loan and subsidy eligibility
• Solar subsidies — Eligibility for agricultural solar equipment programs
• Interest relief — Up to 4% interest subsidy on livestock loans

Coverage includes poultry operations up to 50,000-capacity layer farms and dairy/livestock farms with up to 100 cattle or 500 sheep/goats.