The Indian Government has sanctioned funds for the establishment of 21 Gokul Grams as Integrated Cattle Development Centres under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. As of present, four Gokul grams situated in Varanasi, Mathura, Patiala, and Phora have been finished, with works on the remaining 17 gradually progressing.
Components of Rashtriya Gokul Mission
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is comprised of two main components. The first is the national program for bovine breeding and second, the National mission for bovine productivity. The mission’s core objectives are development and conservation of indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner, undertaking a breed improvement program for indigenous cattle breeds for genetic upgrade and increased stock, enhancing milk production and productivity, and distributing disease-free high genetic merit bulls for natural service.
Key Initiatives under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Several significant initiatives have been introduced under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. These include awards like Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu for farmers, institutions and breeders societies that maintain and manage the best herd of Indigenous Breed practicing best management practices.
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission has envisioned the establishment of integrated cattle development centers, known as ‘Gokul Grams’. These centres aim to develop indigenous breeds including up to 40% nondescript breeds, propagate high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds, optimize modern Farm Management practices and promote Common Resource Management.
National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre and Other Projects
The National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC) is being established as a Centre of Excellence to develop and conserve Indigenous Breeds in a holistic and scientific manner. In addition, the “E-Pashu Haat”- Nakul Prajnan Bazaar is an e-market portal that connects breeders and farmers for quality-disease-free bovine germplasm.
Advanced Technology in Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Advanced Reproductive Technology includes Assisted Reproductive Technique- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)/ Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET) and sex-sorted semen technique to improve the availability of disease-free female bovines. Moreover, the National Bovine Genomic Center for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB) will be established for selection of breeding bulls of high genetic merit at a young age using highly precise gene-based technology.
Table about Rashtriya Gokul Mission
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Gokul Grams | 21 |
| Completed Gokul Grams | 4 (Varanasi, Mathura, Patiala, and Phora) |
| Gopal Ratna awards | Award for maintaining best herd of Indigenous Breed |
| Kamdhenu awards | Award by Institutions/Trusts/ NGOs/ Gaushalas or best-managed Breeders’ societies |
| National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre(NKBC) | Centre for developing and conserving Indigenous Breeds |
Implementing Agency of Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Rashtriya Gokul Mission is implemented through the “State Implementing Agency (SIA viz Livestock Development Boards). State Gauseva Ayogs are entrusted with the responsibility to sponsor proposals to the SIA’s (LDB’s) and monitor implementation of the sponsored proposal. The participants in indigenous cattle development include ICAR, Universities, Colleges, NGO’s, Cooperative Societies and Gaushalas.
The Importance of Conserving Indigenous Breeds
Indigenous bovines are robust and resilient, uniquely suited to the climate and environment of their respective breeding tracts. Their productivity is less likely to be impacted by the adversities of climate change. Furthermore, the milk produced by indigenous animals is rich in fat and SNF content—casein, lactose, vitamins, and minerals—which significantly contribute to the nutritional value of milk. Developing and conserving these breeds thus become critical for sustainable farming and food security.