Raje Yashwantrao Holkar Mahamesh Yojana (Mahamesh/Maihamesh) is an innovative initiative of the Maharashtra government, established to modernise and economically and socially empower sheep and goat rearing. It aims to provide financial assistance, modern technology, training and resources to traditional shepherding communities so that they become economically self-reliant and increase the quality and production of transactions in this sector.
In this article, we will understand the scheme in detail at various levels, including its inception, objectives, benefits, eligibility, documents, and application process.
Overview: महामेष योजना
| Scheme Name | Mahamesh Yojana |
| Launch Date | Maharashtra State Government |
| Launch Year | 2017 |
| Implemented By | Department of Animal Husbandry |
| Target Beneficiary | Traditional Shepherd |
| Main Objective | Promote Sustainable sheep & goat rearing for economic self-reliance |
| Subsidy on Livestock | 75% subsidy for 20 female + 1 male sheep or 10 goats + 1 male goat |
| Fodder Subsidy | ₹6,000/month for 4 months (total ₹24,000) |
| Application Method | Online via mahamesh.org or through Maha e-Seva Kendra |
Objectives Of Mahamesh Yojana
- Support sustainable sheep, goat, and poultry farming practices.
- Provide a 75% subsidy on livestock, sheds, fodder, and machinery.
- Ensure fodder availability during lean seasons (especially June to September).
- Develop infrastructure for animal husbandry (sheds, water, feed storage).
- Reserve 30% benefits for women and 3% for disabled persons.
- Offer training programs in modern animal husbandry and livestock care.
- Generate self-employment opportunities in rural and tribal areas.
Benefits Of Mahamesh Yojana
- Beneficiaries receive 20 female + 1 male sheep or 10 goats + 1 male goat at a 75% subsidy.
- Financial aid of ₹6,000 per month for 4 months during fodder-scarce periods (June–September).
- 100 improved poultry birds provided with a subsidy up to ₹9,000.
- Includes fodder cutting machines, chaff cutters, feed mills, and silage equipment.
- Mobile or permanent animal sheds are subsidised up to 75% of the total cost.
- Up to ₹50,000 assistance for buying or leasing land for animal rearing infrastructure.
- Access to livestock vaccination, veterinary care, and insurance schemes for health protection.
- Government-sponsored training in modern animal husbandry practices and livestock care.
- Reserved Quotas for Women & Disabled Persons
- 30% quota for women and 3% for disabled applicants ensures inclusive participation.
- Online & Offline Application Options
- To improve the condition of livestock farmers, the Rajasthan government launched the Mukhyamantri Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana (MMPBY), which aims to provide financial security to the livestock farmers of the state for their invaluable livestock. Under this scheme, the state government has set a target of providing free insurance to 21 lakh animals in the financial year 2024-25.
Eligibility Criteria For Raje Yashwantrao Holakar Mahamesh Yojana
- Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Belongs to the Nomadic Tribes (Bhaj-K) category, primarily Dhangar (NT-K)
- Age should be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Can be either permanent or temporary herders.
- New sheep/goat farmers (with or without prior flocks) are eligible.
- Must own farmland or have a legally documented lease/equivalent agreement (e.g., 7/12, rent agreement)
- Only one member per family is eligible to apply
- Applicants are not eligible if they have received benefits from this scheme in the last 3 years.
- Applicants cannot be residents of Mumbai or the Mumbai Suburban district.
Mahamesh Yojana 2025 Apply Online Maharashtra
- mahamesh.org, managed by Maharashtra’s Animal Husbandry Department
- Then, click “Register for the application” on the homepage.
- Select “New Applicant – Personal” and complete the form with your name, DOB, Aadhaar, mobile number, caste, village, district, etc.
- After registration, go to Login or Application Made, and sign in with your Aadhaar number and password
- Fill in personal details, bank info (IFSC, account number), and livestock or land details.
- You can apply for sheep/goat units, poultry units, fodder, sheds, machinery, or land subsidies.
- Prepare clear scans (PDF/JPEG) and upload:
- You will receive SMS updates about status changes, such as selection rounds or documents needed
- Applicants are selected through an automated, randomised shortlisting process followed by a district-level committee review.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified to upload any additional documents within a stipulated timeframe.
Required Documents For Mahamesh Yojana
- Aadhar Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Cast Certificate
- Self-Declaration Certificate of Non-Employment
- 7/12 Extract
- Bank Passbook
- Livestock & farming Certification
- Disability Certificate (if claiming 3% PwD reservation)
- Passport Size Photo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q-1. What is the Mahamesh Yojana?
The Mahamesh Yojana is a government scheme by the Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department to provide financial support and infrastructure for sheep, goat, and poultry farming to Dhangar (NT-K) communities.
Q-2. What is the subsidy percentage under this scheme?
75% subsidy for sheep/goat/poultry units
50–75% subsidy for machinery, sheds, and fodder support
Up to ₹50,000 for land purchase or lease assistance
Q-3. Can Women apply separately under this scheme?
Yes. 30% reservation is provided for women applicants, and they are encouraged to apply individually.
Q-4. Can I apply if I don’t own land?
Yes, but you must provide a registered lease agreement or show proof of access to grazing/fodder land.
Q-5. How will I know if I am selected?
You will get SMS notifications about selection status and next steps. The portal may also show Primary Selection or Document Verification statuses.
Q-6. How to get the Mahamesh yojana beneficiary list?
Visit the official Mahamesh portal, then locate the “Beneficiary List” link. On the homepage dashboard, scroll to find a “Beneficiary List” option and click it.