The Government of India has launched Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras, a nationwide initiative to provide affordable veterinary medicines to livestock owners. Under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program, these medicine stores aim to make quality animal drugs accessible in rural, remote, and underserved areas while reducing treatment costs for farmers.
These Kendras can be established by registered Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) and cooperative societies. To qualify, applicants must have at least 120 square feet of space, employ a registered pharmacist holding a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree, and possess a valid drug sale license from the respective State Drug Control Authority. Only one Kendra will be allowed per revenue block, with preference given to regions with high livestock populations.
The government has announced strong financial incentives for store operators. Each Kendra earns a 20% margin on the selling price of medicines, excluding taxes. In aspirational districts, hilly regions, islands, and the north-eastern states, operators also receive a one-time incentive of ₹1.5 lakh. A monthly incentive of up to ₹20,000 will be provided based on stock maintenance and the volume of medicines purchased and sold.
Only veterinary medicines supplied by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) are permitted for sale at these centers. All transactions must be processed through the official Point-of-Sale (PoS) system. In addition to veterinary drugs, Kendras can also sell certified ethno-veterinary products and animal feeds.
The scheme is jointly implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Ministry of Cooperation, and the PMBI. Interested applicants must register online through the DAHD portal and pay a fee of ₹5,000, which is waived for stores set up in aspirational areas.
Officials emphasize that this initiative not only benefits livestock owners by lowering veterinary expenses but also promotes rural entrepreneurship and employment. Cooperative societies and PM-KSK operators are encouraged to participate, strengthening local access to animal healthcare.
The Kendras are expected to improve livestock health management, enhance productivity, and support sustainable farming practices. By providing affordable and readily available veterinary medicines, the scheme addresses a critical gap in rural animal healthcare while promoting community-level engagement in livestock welfare.
Authorities anticipate that the Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras will contribute to better disease prevention and treatment for livestock, boosting the overall resilience of the agricultural and dairy sectors. This program represents a step forward in ensuring that farmers across India can maintain healthy herds without facing prohibitive costs for essential medicines.
The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to modernize animal husbandry services, encourage private-public collaboration, and strengthen the supply chain for veterinary products in remote and underserved regions.
